A rogue landlord who allowed tenants to live in ‘dangerous’ conditions – despite a prior warning – has been fined £2,200.
Zakir Shah failed to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order put in place at a three-storey property at High Street, Rowley Regis. Shah, the leaseholder, allowed occupants to use the residential parts of the property when they were in a hazardous state.
Sandwell Council officers inspected the property in 2023 and found it to be in a “dangerous condition with significant health and safety hazards”.
The Emergency Prohibition Order was served on Shah, prohibiting the residential parts of the property from being used for the purposes of sleeping and residing.
But Shah continued to allow the property to be used and during follow-up inspections on April 16 and 18 last year, officers found the residential parts still occupied and in the same hazardous state.
Shah, of Brook Lane, Moseley, Birmingham, was found guilty of two charges of failing to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order following a trial at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on April 4.
He was fined a total of £2,200 – £1,100 per offence- and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £880, plus the council’s full costs of £2,192.59.
The total sum of £5,272.59 was payable within 28 days, and a collection order was for the total sum.
Following the hearing, Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for housing and sustainable development, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of this case.
“It sends a clear message that Sandwell Council will not tolerate any breaches of housing regulations.
“Our priority is to protect our residents and ensure they live in safe and healthy environments.
Anyone concerned about the condition of their private rental property can report their issues to Sandwell Council by calling 0121 368 1177 and selecting option 2.
“We will continue to take firm action against landlords who disregard legal orders and put tenants at risk.”
Contact one of our highly experienced mortgage advisors today on 0121 500 6316 to discuss your mortgage needs.
