Landlord says sorry for damp property but is still fined

The landlord of a house in St Helens has been fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £1,332.30 in costs, as well as a victim surcharge of £120 after failing to comply with an improvement notice issued earlier this year.

The notice had required him to investigate and remedy damp problems at his property in West End Road, Haydock, but he chose to ignore it, along with the tenant complaints about mould and damp in the property.

Adrian Webb of Mill Lane, Rainhill, pleaded guilty to the offence at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this week

His admission of guilt came in the form of a letter in which he also apologised for the condition of the property and for not being a responsible landlord. He assured the court that he will work with the council to bring the property up to the required standard and promised that it would remain vacant until the council was satisfied that he had fulfilled his obligations.

Webb was not the only landlord in the region to receive a fine this week for failing to comply with improvement notices issued by St Helens Council under the Housing Act.

Robert Essex of Westcliff Road, Birkdale, also pleaded guilty by letter and was fined £500 for failing to install a step in the backyard and for not removing tripping hazards, despite receiving improvement notices 12 months ago in relation to property in Price Grove, St Helens.

As well as the fine, he was ordered to pay £500 towards costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

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