A private rental landlord has been successfully prosecuted after failing to comply with an Improvement Notice when a number of serious hazards were identified.
South Holland District Council served an Improvement Notice to Peter Higgins after an inspection identified a number of serious hazards at his rental property in Long Sutton. These included both Category 1 and Category 2 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System in relation to excess cold, falling on stairs, fire hazards and damp and mould.
The notice required the landlord to carry out essential works to address these issues within a set time to ensure the property met the required standards.
Shortly after the notice was served, the Council was informed that the tenant had moved from the property. However, the landlord remained legally responsible for complying with the requirements of the Improvement Notice.
Following the expiry of the notice, South Holland District Council made several attempts to inspect the property and assess whether the required works had been completed. Notices of Intended Entry were served but access was repeatedly refused by the landlord.
The Council went on to obtain a Warrant of Entry in court but upon gaining entry, officers found that none of the works required by the Improvement Notice had been completed.
The landlord was found to be in breach of the Improvement Notice and the council began legal proceedings under section 30 of the Housing Act 2004 which concluded on 27 July 2026. The landlord did not attend court.
Magistrates imposed a fine of £1,760, a victim surcharge of £704, and prosecution costs of £3,944, bringing the total amount payable to £6,408.
Councillor Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing at South Holland District Council, said: "Private tenants have the right to live in safe, warm and well-maintained homes. Landlords have clear legal responsibilities they must follow to ensure their properties meet the required standard to ensure tenants are safe.