# Rogue Landlord Fined £10k in Thanet

> Source: https://nolettinggo.co.uk/blog/rogue-landlord-fined-10k-in-thanet/
> Author: NoLettingGo
> Published: 2011-02-08T20:55:03+01:00
> Modified: 2011-02-08T20:55:03+01:00

An interesting article I received from Tom Entwistle at Landlord Zone. A landlord has been fined £10,000 for failing to comply with the requirements of two Improvement Notices served by the Council. Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I am pleased that the magistrates decided to fine Sandwich Properties Ltd the maximum amount. This company was clearly…

An interesting article I received from Tom Entwistle at Landlord Zone.

A landlord has been fined £10,000 for failing to comply with the requirements of two Improvement Notices served by the Council.

Cllr. Chris Wells, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I am  pleased that the magistrates decided to fine Sandwich Properties Ltd  the maximum amount. This company was clearly unable or unwilling to look  after their property, and did not have any regard for the safety of  tenants.

We always try to work with landlords to improve housing conditions,  but where such blatant disregard for tenant safety is evident, we will  use every power available to us to ensure that rogue landlords are  brought to justice and tenants are provided with the safe living  environment that everyone deserves.

We are also committed to protecting the public purse wherever  possible, especially in these times of financial constraint. This is why  we always charge for the service of Improvement Notices if the  deadlines set out within them are not met”.

In 2009, officers of the Housing Regeneration Team visited 102  Grosvenor Place in Margate and found a property containing four flats  which contained serious health and safety hazards. There were no fire  precautions or safe means of escape and none of the lights in the shared  entrance or staircase were working. The property had been neglected and  the internal conditions were dirty and dilapidated.

Following enquiries, Sandwich Properties Ltd of Rookwood Road,  London, was identified as the freehold owner. Subsequently, the council  served enforcement notices on the freehold owner requiring fire safety  improvements and suitable lighting within the common areas.

Unfortunately, when officers returned to the premises after the  notice deadlines had passed, none of the work had been completed.  Attempts were made to try and meet with the company to discuss the  situation, but the company ignored the council’s letters.

In a case heard at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday this week  (01 February 2011), Sandwich Properties Ltd were found guilty of  failing to comply with the notices without reasonable excuse and fined  the maximum £5,000 for each offence. The company was also ordered to pay  a victim surcharge of £15 and contribute £100 towards the council’s  prosecution costs.

As the lack of artificial lighting presented a considerable risk to  the tenants of the property, the council stepped in and installed  suitable lighting themselves. The company has been charged with the full  cost of this work, together with the cost of officer time and a further  administration fee. The company was also charged £911.25 for the  council’s expenses associated with service of the original notices.  Further action is now being pursued to ensure that the fire safety  improvements are made.

If you are an owner of a residential building containing common  areas, and would like advice about your health and safety  responsibilities, you can contact the Council’s Housing Regeneration  Team on 01843 577437 for further information.

Press Release – Thanet District Council: 03 February, 2011