Landlord fined over flat with no heating

Mar 13 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

A ST HELENS landlord has been fined for allowing a vulnerable tenant to live in a flat with no heating.

St Helens Magistrates Court heard how a person on benefits was allowed to live in a Haydock rented flat with no heating and a front door that had badly deteriorated.

They also heard how the communal hallway lacked lighting and was dangerous when wet.

Central Office and Commercial Properties Limited pleaded guilty and was fined £4,639.33 for non compliance with a Housing Act 2004 Improvement Notice served by St. Helens Council.

The court heard how the company had failed to ensure the property was free from serious hazards.

Cllr Neil Taylor, executive Member for urban regeneration and housing, said: “This sends a clear message that the council will take enforcement action to improve rented property where necessary.”