Two local landlords have been found guilty for failing to effectively manage a property in St Andrews Square, Hastings, following a two day trial at Hastings Magistrates Court (Photo on Flickr).
 |
| [relatedPosts title=”Related Posts”] |
|
|
Dr Dilip Wilson of 17 Thorn Tree Court, Park View Road, London who pleaded not guilty was found guilty of five offences. Two guilty verdicts related to contraventions of conditions applied to the House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence and three offences related to contraventions of the HMO management regulations.
Norman Rushbrook Options Property Management,177 Queens Road, Hastings, who also pleaded not guilty was also found guilty of five charges that applied to contraventions of the HMO management regulations.
Cllr Peter Chowney, the council’s deputy leader commented:
“These offences all relate to 11 St Andrews Square which was being operated as an HMO. Both parties failed to effectively manage the property, allowing it to fall into decline and serious disrepair. Our enforcement teams made an Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) to shut the property down as it was considered a serious threat to safety.
“Wilson and Rushbrook failed to manage the vulnerable tenants in the property, compromising their safety and they failed to take action to curb unacceptable tenant behaviour. In particular the magistrates highlighted the failings in fire safety.
‘Our housing options team worked with the landlord and some clients in this property to find alternative housing when the issues with the accommodation were identified’.
“This successful prosecution shows that we will not tolerate rogue landlords and are determined to bring those that do not meet standards and are in contravention of conditions to task.
Dr Dilip Wilson was fined £2500, with a £15 victim surcharge and was ordered to pay £1000 costs.
Norman Rushbrook was fined £1500, with a £15 victim surcharge and was also ordered to pay £1000 costs.
The property has since been converted into a single dwelling.
