Nelson property managing agent fined

Twenty Four Estates Ltd of Nelson, pleaded guilty on 10th September, to failing to comply with notices served on them to make a property in Nelson safe to live in and were fined £870 plus £477.50 costs.

The directors Mark Horsfall and Gavin Hilton were also prosecuted for the neglect they demonstrated by not complying.

The company received a section 12 Housing Act 2004 Improvement Notice on 2nd June 2008 asking them to carry out work by 30th August 2008 in relation to fire safety, danger on the staircase and damp and mould.

And on 26th May 2009, a section 235 Notice was served upon them which asked them to produce documentation by 1st June 2009 proving they had remedied rising damp and dry rot in the property, as it was unclear to Council inspectors.

They were unable to provide evidence to back up their claims that work had been carried out.

The property became vacant during the notice period and Twenty Four Estates Ltd were warned that if they failed to complete the improvements the Council would take enforcement action against them.

They ignored the Council's warnings and re-let the property without completing all of the necessary work.

Paul Lloyd, Pendle Council's Housing Standards Manager, said:

"We had gone to great lengths to work with the Directors at Twenty Four Estates Ltd, including giving them additional time and explaining what they needed to do to comply with notices.

"Unfortunately, despite several warnings, we felt that they were unprepared to work with us."

Councillor Sonia Robinson, who speaks out on private sector housing issues in Pendle, said:

"The Council felt it was appropriate to prosecute the company and its directors because they neglected to act on the notices.

"It is unacceptable for people to live in private rented properties that do not meet minimum health and safety standards.