A rogue landlord has been handed a £7,000 legal bill for renting out three dangerous flats containing a raft of faults.

Gateshead Council had told Anthony Hall, of Ravensworth Road, Birtley (pictured) to carry out urgent improvements at one property in Bensham, and two properties in Birtley.

Following an inspection at one of Hall’s properties, the authority served an improvement notice that required repairs relating to a lack of handrails on staircases, defective windows, defective external walls, and electrical hazards.

His lack of response to this notice prompted council officers to inspect other rented homes in his portfolio in Gateshead. Two more were found to be poorly managed, with damp and mould, defective windows and ventilation, lack of handrails to staircases, electrical hazards, and fire safety issues. The council then issued Hall with improvement notices for each of the properties.

Hall admitted a charge under the Housing Act 2004 at South Tyneside Magistrates Court where it was found that Hall, an experienced landlord with several properties, had failed to engage with officers or to have the work carried out and comply with the notices. He was fined £1,115 for poor conditions at each property, a £446 surcharge, and £3,200 costs.

Substandard

Councillor Chris Buckley (pictured), cabinet member for housing, says it values the contribution that a well-managed private rented sector makes to Gateshead, but won’t tolerate landlords that willingly let substandard properties that risk the health and wellbeing of residents.

He adds: “Everyone has a right to live in a safe and warm home, and we will continue to take robust action against any landlords who disregard their responsibilities.”

Images: Gateshead Council/Google Streetview

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