Warwickshire clamping down on dodgy landlords
A local landlord has faced a £31,000 fine, as well as a three year ban.
Warwick District Council wants to send a "strong message" to private landlords who are ignoring their legal responsibilities.
The Private Sector Housing team has been successful in securing its first ever Banning Order against an individual, Mr Gregorz Surminski, known to sub-let properties in Leamington Spa.
It was over concerns of a property, on St Brides Close, being sub-let by Mr Surminski as a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in 8 bedsits.
The property was said to be overcrowded, in serious disrepair, with a lack of facilities and fire precautions, and an absence of heating and hot water.
It also required a HMO licence, but no such application had been made.
The Banning Order, which will take effect from 19 December 2023, bans the landlord letting property or engaging in letting agency or property management work across the country for a period of 3 years. He was also fined £31,000.
The local authority also aims to bring all properties in the district up to a reasonable standard by undertaking additional licensing in the new year – from 600 properties to 1300 properties.
Councillor Paul Wightman, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services, said: "I am delighted that Warwick District Council has managed to secure its first Banning Order. This clearly sends a strong message to private landlords and others engaged in letting property that the Council will not tolerate those who ignore their legal responsibilities and show a blatant disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of their tenants.
"There are unfortunately a small minority of landlords who do not comply. Around 19% of the overall housing stock is privately let in the Warwick district and protections in law need to be enforced. It is in the interest of the tenants and the nearby residents of such properties. We are helping to reduce issues of overcrowding, which leads to antisocial behaviour, and also to reduce rubbish, which has a knock on effect on the environment of the immediate surroundings."
The Private Sector Housing team is asking anyone who becomes aware of poor letting practices to contact them confidentially by email privatesectorhousing@warwickdc.gov.uk or telephone 01926 456359.
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