Landlord is fined £5k for ‘horrifying’ failings
A LANDLORD has been fined £5,000 for “horrifying” failings at his rented property.
Photographs of the home in Grangetown, Cardiff, show a large pile of rubbish in the front garden, unprotected electricity meters and a radiator covered in rust.
Cardiff council said in February a tenant living at 114 Clive Street made contact about the conditions of the property and a council officer visited to carry out an inspection.
The council said when the inspection was carried out the findings were “horrifying”.
They added that both the front and back garden were filled with rubbish and builders’ waste; the fire alarm hadn’t been maintained and was defective; there was no fire protection to the gas and electricity meters; there were no fire escapes at the property; the kitchen was unsafe; the waste water pipes had not been maintained; the heating system hadn’t been maintained and tenants had access to a flat roof which was unsafe.
Alvin George Chisholm, from Avondale Road, Grangetown, pleaded guilty to 12 charges on October 11 at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.
The court said the charges were failing to comply with the regulations of the licensing and management of houses in multiple occupation.
69-year-old Chisholm first pleaded not guilty on September 20.
The property is made up of two flats in a two-storey Victorian terraced house.
Cabinet member for housing and communities Councillor Lynda Thorne said: “This case is a clear example of a landlord renting out a property in a state which is completely unacceptable.
“The pictures of the property speak for themselves.
“I would like to make it clear to all the landlords that think they can rent out sub-standard properties that that they need to think again.
“If these matters are reported to us, then we will investigate and the take necessary action in the best interests of the tenants.”
Speaking to WalesOnline following the case, Chisholm said the property was managed for several years by a housing association, during which time he was still the owner, and maintained that he was a “good landlord”.
Chisholm added he still owns the property alongside another in Splott, Cardiff, and that all of the issues at the Clive Street property have been resolved.