main content Landlord prosecuted over poor accommodation

A Mottingham landlord has been fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £500 in costs for failing to comply with a housing repair notice served by the Council in March 2005. Trevor McClymont was found guilty in his absence at Bromley Magistrates’ Court last week.

“Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities to each other. We will support landlords where we can to improve poor quality housing but we will not tolerate wilful neglect." said Chris Phillips Executive Councillor for social care, health and housing.

Mr McClymont’s tenant at the house in Dorset Road, Mottingham, called the Council’s housing enforcement team after the landlord ignored complaints about the property's defective roof, cracks in its external walls, dampness, defective windows and the defective gas central heating system.

Having contacted the landlord informally about the repairs the Council was forced to serve a formal repair notice in March last year. The notice gave Mr McClymont 4 months to complete the works, which he failed to do. Legal action was then taken.

There are over 20,000 rented properties in Bromley. In 2005 the Council’s Housing Enforcement Team responded to over 1,000 housing related enquiries and complaints. Under the Housing Act legislation landlords are required to keep their rented accommodation both fit for habitation and free from disrepair. Disregard of enforcement notices can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Mr McClymont is still required to complete the works detailed in the formal repair notice issued in March 2005, in addition to paying the fines and costs decided last week. 
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer on 020 8313 4738 or Martin Parsons, Head of Community Services on 020 8313 4655 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk