Bristol Charity for Vulnerable Tenants tops list of UK’s Most Prosecuted Landlords!

I spotted a recent article in The Guardian that reported a Bristol-based charity has topped a list of the most prosecuted landlords in the country.

Alternative Housing was set up to provide accommodation for homeless people in Bristol and has received thousands of pounds in housing benefits.  It has been convicted of housing offences on six separate occasions in the past two years.

The prosecutions have included providing bedsits with broken cookers and drains and having no supply of hot water or heating.  In 2015 housing officers raided a string of bedsits owned by Alternative Housing.  They found an electricity meter that had been hotwired and sewage overflowing in the backyard of one property.

The following year three more cases were brought.  Officers found a bucket being used to collect kitchen waste in one property, missing smoke detectors, damp in bedrooms and insufficient cooking facilities.

The government has given councils greater powers to deal with rogue landlords.  They have recently been allowed to impose civil penalties of up to £30,000 on landlords without going to court.  Further powers are expected to be announced later in the year.

If you are a landlord considering letting a property or a tenant looking for a new home why not give me, Eddie Carter, a call on 01684 292154 to discuss your requirements.  Alternatively take a look around our website.  We specialise in the Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire areas.