Massive £29,000 fine after tenants' lives put at risk in BTL property

A fine of over £29,000 has been imposed on an absentee landlord whose property was said to have put tenants’ lives at risk.

Adrian Dart of Stourbridge, who owns and rents out properties in Derby, was prosecuted by Derby council for offences concerning a house he let out. 

Following an inspection of the property in September 2016, numerous category one and two defects were discovered, including a dangerous electrical mains installation, defective sanitary fitments in the bathroom and kitchen and a lack of automatic fire detection along with disrepair throughout the house which would allow fire to spread quickly, all of which seriously put the tenants' lives at risk.

Other hazards, such as the security, trip hazards, mould and potential structural collapse were also found.

An improvement notice was issued but ignored by Dart and so remedial work was carried out by Derby council. 

The total cost of the default work came to £8,030 and this remains as a charge on the property until the debt is paid in full.

The case was heard in South Derbyshire magistrates court where Dart pleaded guilty to the charge of non-compliance with an improvement notice served under the Housing Act 2004.

He was fined £6,500 and ordered to make a contribution of £2,436 towards the Council’s prosecution costs. He was also ordered to a pay a victim surcharge of £170.

As a result of the seriousness of the case and Dart’s apparent lack of engagement with Derby council, magistrates added an additional fine of £20,000 with the total fine being £29,106.