A Wirral landlord has been fined for renting out a house with serious health and safety hazards.
John Kieran was ordered to pay £1,350 by magistrates over the condition of the property in Argyle Street, Birkenhead.
The property had no fire precaution measures, dangerous electrical wiring with exposed live wiring, serious damp and mould growth, boarded up windows and poor bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Housing officers who discovered the appalling conditions during an inspection said it was “one of the worst cases of poor housing conditions they had come across.”
Kieran, of Village Road, Higher Bebington, pleaded guilty to failing to implement satisfactory management standards, an offence under the Housing Act 2004.
He told Wirral magistrates court the house is now empty and said no further tenants would be housed at the property until he has carried out a full refurbishment.
Cllr George Davies, Wirral Council cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: “The action taken in this case reinforces the message that landlords must maintain their properties to a reasonable standard, in order that the health and safety of tenants are protected.
“Councils have a duty to act if they are aware of hazards that could affect a tenant’s health or safety and if landlords fail to respond to informal advice, enforcement action will ensue. Failure to comply with housing legislation will result in court action and potentially hefty fines.
Conditions in the Birkenhead house on Argyle Street rented out by John Kieran of Village Road, Bebington
“In this case, I am disappointed that the fine doesn’t reflect the appalling conditions that these vulnerable people have had to live with, however I hope it will still act as a deterrent to landlords who leave properties in this condition.
“The health and safety of the occupiers in properties within the private rented sector is of paramount importance.
“Whilst we always try to work with landlords and give them reasonable time scales to improve property conditions, if they do not co-operate then the council will take enforcement action like that taken against John Kieran.”
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/