Two Slough landlords have been fined more than £5,500 for failing to comply with the requests of Slough Borough Council’s private sector housing enforcement team.
Following an eight month investigation by the housing standards team, Mr Nasir and Mrs Zakia Mehmood, landlords of a three storey house in Spackman’s Way in Chalvey, Slough were summoned to Maidenhead Magistrates Court on September 26.
In February 2008, the Slough council was alerted by residents who claimed the property was being let in a substandard condition.
By law, landlords are required to provide a safe and healthy environment for occupants, minimising hazards and risks, such as damp, lack of space, sanitation and fires.
The couple ignored Slough council’s request for information about the house and failed to allow officers in to inspect the house. In doing so they committed an offence and were summoned to court.
At the hearing, the couple initially entered a plea of not guilty, but later changed this to guilty.
On sentencing, Mr Mehmood was fined £3,500, a £15 victim surcharge and £992 court costs, whilst his wife was fined £1,000 and £15 victim surcharge.
Keith Ford, housing standards manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “This successful case proves we’re serious about the health and safety of tenants in houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).
“Mr and Mrs Mehmood’s refusal to comply with the law made it inevitable they would be prosecuted and we’re happy with the outcome.
“We hope other landlords will take note and co-operate with us to ensure properties are safe for tenants.”
Cllr James Swindlehurst, commissioner for Slough neighbourhoods and renewal, said: “Landlords have a responsibility to maintain safe houses for residents. This case is a warning to landlords to make sure they abide by the law, or they will be prosecuted.”
Slough Borough Council
