Give feedback on this pageDenbighshire has prosecuted a Rhyl landlord for allowing two unsuitable flats to be occupied by tenants at a River Street property in the town.
Shakeel Aslam pleaded guilty to two offences under the new Housing Act 2004 for allowing two unsuitable flats to be occupied by tenants.
Today (Tuesday), magistrates in Denbigh fined Mr Aslam a total of £3,000 and he agreed to pay the Council's costs of £1,500.
The illegal occupation of those flats was discovered during an operation carried out as part of an investigation into Housing in Multiple Occupation in October 2007. Mr Aslam had denied to officers that the two flats were occupied. He had in fact signed undertakings to officers previously, agreeing that they would not be used for housing tenants.
Officers could not access the two flats on the first occasion and returned to the property some days later to check if the flats were being occupied. One flat which was too small for housing tenants in the proper manner contained two men, whilst the attic room, unusable due to its steep staircase, which presented a health and safety risk contained the belongings of another man.
Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Housing Enforcement, said: "This case sends out a clear message to all landlords that operating properties unsuitable for tenants is an offence under the Housing Act will not be tolerated by the Council and its partners. The fine imposed today also highlights how the courts view cases of this nature.
"Landlords must only rent out accommodation that is suitable and fully compliant with health and safety and fire regulations. Falling short of these standards could place lives at risk. The Council will continue to take action against individuals who completely disregard the safety of their tenants."