Council cracks down on Wolverhampton landlord pair

Two landlords from Bilston, Wolverhampton, have been fined following an investigation by the City of Wolverhampton Council into a breach of health and safety regulations.

Raj Kumari and Balwant Rai were ordered to pay almost £6,000 each following a guilty plea at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court. The Council is hoping that the conviction will deter other landlords from jeopardising the health and safety of their tenants.

In February this year, housing officers inspected premises at Carter Road, where a five-person family was living. The investigation found that Kumari and Rai had neglected to address electrical issues, fire hazards, drainage, concerns with food safety and an accumulation of waste found at the back of the building. A Prohibition Order was served by the Council, which became effective on 16th July, 2016, preventing it from being inhabited.

The deputy leader and cabinet member for city assets, councillor Peter Bilson, said:

“We are determined to bring to task landlords who are not complying with housing laws. Our residents' health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and this case should act as a lesson to all landlords in the private sector.”

A new rating system has now been launched to improve private sector housing. The 'Rent with Confidence' system aims to improve living standards and provide greater choice for customers.

Although health and safety is generally associated with companies that may require safety workwear and other equipment, the regulations also apply to landlords, who have a duty of care to tenants.