Nuneaton landlord prosecuted for poor property conditions

A Nuneaton landlord has been ordered to pay £2,667 in fines plus costs after being found guilty of failing to maintain her property which left the tenant living in damp conditions.

Mrs. Meena Panchmatia of Foleshill Road, Coventry was found guilty at Nuneaton Magistrates’ Court on 21 June in relation to her rented property on Coventry Road, Exhall which was occupied by a family and four children and was fined £1200.  Mrs. Panchmatia appealed the fine and costs which were subsequently increased by the Court on 8 August after hearing the evidence.

The court heard that Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing Team were alerted to the property in March 2016, following a tenant report of the landlord failing to carry out repairs. On inspection, the property was found to have damp and mould present which was a threat to the health and safety of the tenants.

The landlord was given time to complete the repairs but did not do so. An Improvement Notice was therefore served however this was not complied with and no reasonable excuse was put forward by the landlord.  The Council took the decision to prosecute as a last resort.         

Councillor Julie Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, said:

" Private landlords need to be fully aware of their responsibilities and a key part of being a landlord is completing repairs to keep tenants safe and responding to tenants concerns. Mrs. Panchmatia was given an opportunity to complete the repairs but failed to do so and also refused to engage with officers. 

This case demonstrates Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s commitment to ensuring that accommodation in the Borough is safe to live in and that any landlord who chooses to operate illegally will be dealt with. We work closely with Private Sector landlords in this area and will focus on those who give the sector a bad name”. 

Private tenants who believe they are living in poor housing conditions can contact the Council for advice or assistance on 02476 376376.  Owners and agents who manage private rented properties can also obtain advice about current housing standards and their responsibilities from the Private Sector Housing Team.

Information is also available on the Council’s website