Landlady fined for failing to carry out repairs on house
ALANDLADY who failed to carry out repairs on a squalid house she rented out has been fined.
In May 2016 a grandmother who rented a house on Edge Lane, Royton, lodged a complaint about the state of the property with Oldham council.
Officers visited the property, which was also occupied by the lady’s two sons, daughter and granddaughter, in September and found a number of hazards.
These included damp, loose flashings, openjointed brickwork, a broken toilet flush, loose wash-hand basin tap, poor cold water pressure at the sink and a poorly located cooker control.
Under the Housing Act an improvement notice was served on September 13 requiring the work be started within 28 days and completed by November 8, 2016.
During a follow-up visit inspectors found that the toilet had been repaired – but a further improvement notice was issued as it was still leaking.
Apart from repairing the water pressure the rest of the works were still outstanding.
A court summons was issued for the house owner, Laura Howarth of Wallingford, Oxfordshire to appear in court for failing to comply with the requirements of a housing improvement notice contrary to s30 Housing Act 2004.
She pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £5,000 with £859.50 costs.
Helen Lockwood, executive director economy, skills and neighbourhoods, said: “Over the last few years Oldham council has prosecuted a number of people for breaking the law and we are continuing to do so.
“We need residents to continue to work with us on this. If you see anyone breaking environmental laws, please report it to us and we will investigate and take action.”