'Unsafe homes' warning to landlords

3:57pm Wednesday 26th December 2007

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LANDLORDS who put their tenants at risk by failing to ensure their homes are safe are being warned by Bolton Council that they could face hefty fines.

The warning comes after Britannia Estates Lettings Ltd was fined £4,000 by Bolton Magistrates for failing to keep two family homes up to legal standards.

No representative of the company, which is based in Derby Street, Daubhill, turned up to the court hearing.

But the firm was found guilty in its absence and was also ordered to pay £973 in costs.

The families complained to the council about problems with their properties in Charles Holden Street, Deane, and Nelson Street, Burnden.

When they inspected the properties, council officers found a poorly maintained gas fire and boilers, faulty electrical lights, loose carpet and poor lighting on the stairs.

There was also rising and penetrating damp, mould growth, a broken toilet and poor sanitation and drainage. The council decided to prosecute under the 2004 Housing Act after the firm failed to respond to orders to bring the properties up to standard The council's executive member for culture and community services, Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, said: "This case shows that where tenants are put at risk in poorly maintained properties, both the council and the courts take the matter extremely seriously. We hope this case demonstrates that landlords must do the same."

Britannia Estates Ltd could not be contacted for comment.

After the case, a council spokesman said the local authority provided assistance to landlords in conjunction with Bolton at Home through the Landlords Accreditation Scheme. The scheme provides access to services which help landlords manage their properties effectively, such as energy efficiency grants for tenants, discounts on electrical and gas checks and help with problem tenants. Further details are available on 01204 335461.

Anyone with concerns about the condition of a private rented property should contact the council's housing on 01204 336500 or by e-mailing housingandpublichealth@bolton.gov.uk