A private landlord has been prosecuted after a family, including a baby and two older children, were left without water or adequate heating in their rented property.
Anthony Wardrop, 79, of Hartlepool - on behalf of Sedgedene Estates Limited - was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £580 in costs and charges for failing to carry out work to make the property in Darlington.
Wardrop denied a charge of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice served in January 2022 but was found guilty when he appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard the owner had failed to ensure a constant water supply was provided to the rented property. This had left the family, including a baby and two older children, without water or adequate heating over the Christmas and New Year bank holiday periods in 2021.
The Improvement Notice, issued under the Housing Act 2004 by Darlington council's private sector housing officers, also ordered the landlord to carry out basic duties in the property such as providing gas and electricity safety certificates, ensuring the property had adequate heating and was free from damp and mould.
Magistrates heard that the owner had delayed carrying out works inside the property for several months and only started the work after investigations for the prosecution began, despite continued efforts by the council to assist him.
Councillor Mike Renton, cabinet member for communities, says: “The owner of this property failed to carry out the basic responsibilities required of him as a landlord, leaving a young family without water or adequate heating which is simply not acceptable.
"This prosecution sends out a very clear message that we will take strong action against any landlord who doesn’t ensure the safety of their tenants.”
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Perhaps 79 is too old to be a LL!
Totally depends on the 79 year old!
I know plenty of younger people who shouldn't be Landlords!
Robert I agree. But you only have to look at Joe Biden to see how mental capacity reduces will age!
What about the late Queen and David Attenborough?
One example doesn't prove a point - either way.
It didn’t say if the family were on benefit, maybe as in other cases the Council’s want their money back.
Persecuting very old people!
A number of issues in this report which, as usual is lacking much information I suspect!
Firstly, on the surface it doesn't look as if a licensing scheme is in place, certainly not mentioned, yet, the council manged to prosecute successfully. In my mind, further evidence that licensing schemes do nothing as the councils already have the powers to act!
Secondly, a prime example where a private landlord has failed and given more ammunition to the "rogue landlord brigade".
Thirdly, no mention of the suitability of the property for 5 occupants including a baby, babies tend to generate more washing, more condensation etc.
Finally, no mention really of what the family did to help themselves? The stock picture shows a happy couple with young child, probably a long way from the truth? Did they report in timely manner, did they engage with the landlord or just run to the authorities?
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