A landlord has been handed a £5,000 fine after persistently ignoring requests to carry out improvement works on his property – despite being a builder.

Bryan Brown, of Skipsea Road, Beeford, was found guilty of failing to comply with four improvement notices, reports The York Press.

Beverley Magistrates Court heard that following a complaint about the poor condition of his property in The Promenade, Bridlington, an inspection by East Riding Council’s private sector housing team in November 2022 discovered several hazards.

The flat was one of three above commercial premises where problems included a lack of heating, damp and mould, and issues concerning the front door.

Faulty

In the common areas officers found a loose handrail and uneven treads to the staircase, faulty fire detection, holes in the ceiling and incorrect mortice locks to the main exit door.

Brown - a builder - was sent improvement notices requiring him to carrying out work to rectify the hazards. However, during further inspections, officers found that he had not complied with the notices and had failed to carry out the work. He was fined a total of £5,198 along with a £1,000 victim surcharge.

Chris Dunnachie, the council’s private sector housing manager, says: “Throughout this case officers have advised the landlord of the need to undertake essential repairs.

“Unfortunately, these requests were ignored which led to the improvement notices being served and, despite the notices, he failed to act upon.”