Barnoldswick property landlord fined

A Pendle landlord has been prosecuted by Pendle Council for failing to comply with Notices served under the 2004 Housing Act.

Reedley Magistrates Court heard how Mr Mario De-Santis didn't act on an Improvement Notice served on him to make his Barnoldswick property safe to live in.

Mr De-Santis's solicitor pleaded guilty on his behalf at the hearing, which took place on 3rd August 2011.

He was fined £545 plus £900 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

The Housing Standards team at Pendle Council issued a section 11 Housing Act 2004 Improvement Notice on 9th October 2009, which asked him to carry out improvements by 5th February 2010.

Julie Whittaker, Pendle Council's Economic and Housing Regeneration Manager, explained:

"Several deficiencies had been highlighted at the property including a lack of whole house heating, lack of internal doors, insufficient insulation to the loft, missing wall plaster and missing handrails to the staircase.

"The property became vacant during the notice period and Mr De-Santis was warned that if he failed to complete the improvements, we would take enforcement action against him.

"He ignored our warnings and only carried out the work once he had been issued with a Court summons."

Councillor Anthony Beckett, who looks after Housing Regeneration in Pendle, added:

"In this day and age it is unacceptable for landlords to rent out properties that don't meet minimum health and safety standards.

"This prosecution shows that we are prepared to get tough with Pendle landlords and managing agents who think they are above the law."