Alpha Properties Cardiff Ltd, operating under the trading name of Acorn Residentials, has been prosecuted at Cardiff Magistrates Court and fined £2000 on November 14 for failure to comply with the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Wales) Regulations 2006.
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Following a complaint from one of the tenants, 10 Cambridge Street in Grangetown was inspected by Cardiff’s Housing Enforcement and the property fell well below the required standards. Under the legislation specific requirements are needed to ensure the property is safe and fit for purpose.
The inspection revealed that there wasn’t a substantial fire alarm, the required structural protection from fire, fire doors, electrical, gas or EPC certificates as well as leaking pipes and penetrating damp.
An investigation then followed to find out who was managing the property. The Council was unable to find the contact address for the owners – Mr Laverick and Mr McCauley.
Due to this a notice was served under section 235 of the Housing Act 2004 on Alpha Properties Cardiff Ltd, requiring the agency to submit the contract or similar documentation between the owners.
Following failure to provide the contract or return any correspondence, a case was prepared against the agency. They failed to attend court and were found guilty in their absence.
Cllr Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal said:
“The Council continues to work with good landlords and agencies and our advice to tenants is to look out for agencies that are accredited by a professional organisation. A Housing Enforcement team is in place to ensure properties that are let meet the required standards. There is an ongoing issue that a letting agency can operate without any qualifications or accreditation and I fear some do not know the regulations they have to operate under. We ask for all agencies to work with the Council and this case should act as a warning to those who are operating illegally and refuse to co-operate with us that we will prosecute when needed.”
Further charges are being made against the owners of the property and the court date has been set for January 6.
