Michael Laverick and Reuben McCauley were ordered to pay £1920 each at Cardiff Magistrates Court on January 7 for offences under the Housing Act 2004 and the Local Government Act 1976 relating to 10 Cambridge Street in Grangetown.
Following a complaint from a tenant, the property was inspected by a Housing Enforcement Officer in March 2013. As the property is a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), specific requirements are set out in law which the landlords have to adhere to. The inspection found there were no fire alarms at all, no fire doors, there was damp and mould growth in the property due to inadequate ventilation and the kitchen appliances were in a state of disrepair.
Council officers made contact with the agency, Acorn Residentials, to ascertain the owners of the property. The investigation progressed and the Council sent a number of letters to the two landlords and an Improvement Notice was served. There was no response and the property remained in an inadequate condition.
Councillor Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Community, Neighbourhood Regeneration and Social Justice, said: “Many private sector landlords work closely with the Council and the services they provide is an invaluable contribution to Cardiff’s Housing Stock. A small minority do not and in this particular case, the Council has been continually ignored and we have had no other option than to prosecute.
“We want to work with Private Sector Landlords and we are here to support and offer advice and guidance. By working together we can fully utilise this sector of Cardiff’s Housing Stock and provide a good service to residents using these services.”
