Sheriff court disqualifies private landlord from renting out homes

A Fife private landlord has been become the first to be disqualified by a Scottish court.

Following his second conviction at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Mohammed Murtaza, 47, was banned from renting out homes anywhere in Scotland for 12 months.

Murtaza, of Kirkcaldy, had let properties in the town’s Valley Gardens, Dunnikier Road and Kennedy Crescent despite being refused entry to Fife Council’s landlord register.

He was convicted of contravening anti-social behaviour legislation and fined £500 by Sheriff Gilchrist, who described the offence as a “flagrant breach of legislation”.

Murtaza was refused registration in June 2015, having been convicted in November 2014 of failing to comply with duties under anti-social behaviour legislation and for breaching gas safety legislation.

His refusal – a first by the council – made it a criminal offence for him to rent out residential property in the region.

Following the grant of the disqualification order, John Mills, the council’s head of housing said: “A significant proportion of private landlords are of good character and comply with the law – however, there are some who act unlawfully.

“We work closely with our partner services including private housing standards, safer communities, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland to assist and support landlords to comply with the legislative requirements of being fit and proper landlords.

“The outcome of this particular case sends a clear message to private landlords in Fife that the council will continue to take all appropriate action to protect tenants and improve property standards in the private sector.”