HIMO landlady from Bicester has been fined £1,000 for failing to comply with an Improvement Notice.

Overview
Cherwell District Council has successfully prosecuted landlady Mrs Satinder Kaur Ahluwalia of London Road, Bicester, for failing to comply with an Improvement Notice.

The prosecution concerned a property that was being used as flats in multiple occupation at 40 London Road, Bicester. They both contained hazards relating to fire, entry by intruders, food safety, falls on stairs and personal and domestic hygiene.

The council had been trying to bring the property up to an acceptable standard for a number of years without success. A Formal Improvement Notice was served in September 2010. This expired in December, at which point no works had been undertaken and Mrs Ahluwalia had failed to comply with the Improvement Notice.

Outcome
Mrs Ahluwalia pleaded guilty and was fined £1000 at Banbury Magistrates Court. She was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £15 victim surcharge resulting in a total financial penalty of £1,265.00

Councillor Debbie Pickford, Cherwell’s lead member for housing commented:

“This council prides itself on its relationship with landlords, but we will use the full force of the law on those few who flout the rules and persistently fail in their responsibilities. Bad landlords should be in no doubt that the council will take action to remedy unsatisfactory housing.”

Source: Cherwell District Council