An absentee landlord has been ordered to repay £19,958.84 in housing benefit for renting out five Salford houses without a licence.
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Dean Weinberg of Lancaster Avenue, Barnet, London, failed to obtain licences for the properties under the Charlestown and Lower Kersal licensing scheme introduced by Salford City Council in January 2011.
He received housing benefit over 12 months to cover rent for the unlicensed properties in Ventnor Street, Romney Street, Lydford Street, Milnthorpe Street and Blandford Road.
Councillor Gena Merrett, assistant mayor for housing and environment, welcomed the decision of The Residential Property Tribunal which granted the rent repayment order. It is the second time Salford City Council has obtained such an order.
“We make it quite clear to landlords that licensing is a legal requirement and that we will take action if they fail to comply. This includes seeking repayment of any housing benefit claimed while the properties are unlicensed,” she said.
“We introduced licensing to improve standards for private tenants and make sure landlords are fit and proper to run those properties. Mr Weinberg failed to comply and has paid the price.”
Mr Weinberg did not attend the hearing and the decision was made in his absence. The houses are still unlicensed and Salford City Council is considering further action.
