Cardiff Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord for failure to provide safe accommodation for his tenants and for failing to comply with the conditions of a licence under part 2 of the Housing Act 2004 and three offences of failure to comply with the Management Regulations made under Section 234, Housing Act 2004.
Zaid Akbar of Ninian Road, Plasnewydd failed to attend Cardiff Magistrates Court on 5th October 2009 and the matter was heard in his absence. Mr Akbar was found guilty and fined a total of £1600 for four offences and was ordered to pay the Council’s costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £15.
The property, located on Miskin Street, Cathays has eight bedrooms on the first and second floors over two commercial premises. The property was licensed for eight individuals under Part 2 of the Housing Act 2004.
The licence conditions required Mr Akbar to carry out works to provide adequate fire precautions and adequate kitchen and bathroom facilities by the 11th January 2009.
Mr. Akbar was contacted during February 2009 to inform him that the works should have been completed and requesting access for an appointment. But when Council officers made a visit it was revealed that the works required by the licence which included installing mains operating fire alarms and making sure gas and electricity meters were enclosed had not been completed. At a further visit, evidence was gathered confirming that Mr. Akbar had failed to comply with the conditions of the licence.
Cardiff Council’s Private Sector Housing team will inspect the property to ensure the necessary works are carried out and that the tenants are safe.
