Landlord Olaseni George failed to attend court – but was convicted in his absence – for allowing a family in Peterborough to live in substandard housing. He was fined £2,500, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,000 and costs of £500 to Peterborough City Council who brought the prosecution.
Serious hazards were identified in the property including damp and mould.
George was convicted for failing to comply with an improvement notice under Section 30 of the Housing Act 2004 during a hearing at Peterborough magistrates’ court on 31 July.
The court heard that in January 2024, Peterborough City Council’s housing standards team received a complaint about ongoing disrepair at property in Eldern, Peterborough.
The home, which was housing two adults and two children, was inspected, and found to contain damp and mould growth in the bedrooms, whilst the first floor bathroom had no hot water.
The team served an improvement notice for the disrepair and detailed remedial action needed.
However, at a recent repairs inspection, the team found that the work requested had not been completed and no communication was received from George.
Councillor Alison Jones, Cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “I’m confident that this prosecution will serve as a warning to the small minority of landlords who put their tenants at risk and flout the law.
“Landlords play an essential role in providing safe, warm, and healthy homes to the residents of Peterborough.
“Whenever we are made aware of landlords breaching the law we will look to take enforcement action under the range of powers available to us. We would also point out to landlords who are unsure of their responsibilities to please contact our housing team who are always happy to advise.”
If you have any concerns about the safety, suitability and/or management of a rented property in the city, contact (01733) 747474 or visit https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/housing/private-housing-advice
