A council has been forced to refund more than £2,800 to a landlord after a Tribunal ruled in his favour.
Mick Roberts, one of Nottingham’s largest landlords for benefit tenants, accused Nottingham City Council of overcharging him for property valuations during lease renewals on four of his flats.
The council charged £825 per flat for the valuations, despite all four properties being just minutes apart and the assessments taking less than two hours.
Mr Roberts argued that the council should have asked for a discount given the close proximity of the properties but claimed because “the council does not like landlords they chose not to give a discount”.
He also pointed out that he could have had the valuation work done for free using his estate agent contacts, raising questions about whether the council’s charges were necessary.
Solicitors had to chase payment
Mr Roberts wished to settle for £1,300 and not for the case to be taken to court to save taxpayers money but the council refused the settlement offer and chose to go to tribunal.
The Tribunal ruled in favour of Mr Roberts, leading to the council being forced to refund £2800 — more than double the amount he was willing to settle for.
Despite winning the case, Mr Roberts’ solicitor, Massers Solicitors, had to chase the council for payment threatening further legal action before the council finally paid Mr Roberts.
Mr Roberts tells Property118 that it’s frustrating the case took so long to settle.
He said: “I now have the money but it could have been settled so much more easily, but the council chose to drag it out, costing taxpayers more money to go to the Tribunal.
“In the end, it cost the council another £1,500 more than had they listened and been reasonable.”
Property118 has contacted Nottingham City Council for comment but they have not responded.
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