Trio fined by council on warpath against unlicensed rental properties

Burnley Council has brought a series of prosecutions against people responsible for unlicensed rented houses in the borough.

The council has introduced selective licensing areas in parts of the borough to - in its words - help improve standards for landlords and residents.

The council claims it aims to work with private landlords and support them in their efforts to improve management practices. However, where landlords “refuse to work within the system” the council has taken enforcement action and brought prosecutions.

In the latest round of courts cases there were a series of prosecutions relating to the failure by a person responsible for the management or control of a property or to properly license it.

Arthur Manboard, of Burnley, was found guilty and fined £270, and ordered to pay £1,200 costs and a £27 victim surcharge.

Afsana Jabar, of Burnley, pleaded guilty in relation to a property in Burnley. She was fined £205 and ordered to pay £480 costs.

Christopher Paul Greenhalgh, of Kenilworth, was found guilty at trial in relation to a property in Burnley. He was fined £60 and ordered to pay £160 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

The court was told that the council had introduced selective licensing as a way of tackling poor management of private rented properties. Under the scheme, houses within designated areas are required to be licensed.