I was shocked to read recently of a landlord who let a property with serious health and safety issues to vulnerable adults and was subsequently fined £1,350 for breaches of the Housing Act 2004.

John Kiernan pleaded guilty to failing to implement satisfactory management standards when letting the property in Birkenhead. When housing officers from the Wirral Council inspected the property they found it had several health and safety risks:

• There were no fire precautions
• The electrical wiring was in a dangerous condition, including some exposed live wires
• There was serious damp and mould was growing
• Some of the windows were boarded up
• The kitchen and bathroom facilities were extremely poor

One council officer described it as “one of the worst cases of poor housing conditions” that he had ever come across.  The landlord confirmed that the property was now empty and would not be re-let until it had undergone a complete refurbishment.

I’m pleased to say that cases such as this are very rare. Over the years I have learnt that the key to any successful letting is a good relationship between the managing agents and the tenants. To this end, I always make sure that any property which is offered to let is in good and safe condition.

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.

Charles Carter Lettings
Independent – Specialist – Local