We have compiled a list of 2012’s ten most popular housing articles on theEHP. This list has been complied by analysing the most viewed articles on the site.
1. Housing: RPT ruling could cut heating costs
Liverpool City Council has won a landmark tribunal ruling which could see heating costs cut for private tenants.The decision by the President of the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) (UTLC) means that heating systems provided in private rented properties should be economical to run, if occupiers are to be adequately protected from the harmful effects of cold.
2. Housing: HIMO prosecution at St Augustine’s Road – Case Summary
We recently reported that Camden Council had prosecuted a struck-off solicitor for failing to license a property let to 12 people (view article). We have been provided with a detailed case summary that shows just how complex housing prosecutions can be.
3.Housing: Struck-off solicitor prosecuted for overcrowded, damp and dangerous house
A struck-off solicitor was one of two defendants successfully prosecuted for failing to license a property which was let to 12 people and in an appalling condition. (Photos on Flickr)
4. Housing: Southend BC v Isaac Odeniran – Case Summary
The case of SBC v Isaac Odeniran went to Southend Magistrates Court on Friday 10th February 2012, Mr Isaac Odeniran of Parkmead, Loughton, was found guilty of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice and fined £4000 (out of a possible maximum fine of £5000). He was also ordered to pay the Council’s full costs (in excess of £4000) and a victim surcharge of £15. (By Paul Oatt)
5. Opinion: Can landlords be held liable for defects created by a tenant?
Can landlords be held liable for defects in a property created by tenant damage or alterations? Sian Evans analyses a recent High Court ruling.
6. Housing: Reading Letting Agent fined £20,000 (Updated 12-08-2012)
Reading Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to raising the standards of rental properties in town after a rogue letting agent was fined over £20,000.
7. Housing: Oxford landlord jailed for illegal eviction
A landlord has been jailed for three months after illegally evicting a young couple and their four-month-old baby. He was also ordered to pay a total of £4500 in costs and compensation.
8. Housing: Locks, keys and landlords access
This is always a tricky subject. Landlords want to gain access to inspect the property and keep an eye on what their tenants are doing. Tenants want to be private and resent landlord intrusion. Often they enforce their privacy by changing the locks (By Tessa Shepperson).
9. Housing: Draft guidance on fire safety for purpose built blocks of flats
The Local Government Association (LGA) is seeking comments on its draft guidance on fire safety for purpose built blocks of flats.
10. Housing: Sumal & Sons v London Borough of Newham – Analysis of Appeal Decision
The Court of Appeal have ruled that Local Authorities cannot use Part 2 of POCA 2002 to confiscate rental income from landlords who commit offences against section 95 (1) of the Housing Act 2004.
