Companies fined for failing to keep properties to an acceptable standard
The director of three companies which failed to keep properties in Morecambe to an acceptable standard has been branded an irresponsible landlord.
The director of three companies which failed to keep properties in Morecambe to an acceptable standard has been branded an irresponsible landlord.
Keith Craigie failed to appear before magistrates in Lancaster on Monday April 7 to answer charges brought against Mark Knight Property Management Ltd and Craig Property Management Ltd, of Victoria Street in Morecambe, and Craigie Investments Ltd.
The court handed down fines and costs totalling more than £15,000 after the companies were found guilty of failing to properly manage and repair two Morecambe properties.
The magistrates also found that Keith Craigie, as sole director of the three companies, was not a responsible landlord.
The first case started when Lancaster City Council's Strategic Housing Services received complaints from a mum with a nine month old baby that her rented flat on Hornby Terrace was cold and damp and that sewage was leaking into the rear yard.
Following a full inspection by the council in June last year three improvement notices requiring significant works were served on Craigie Investments Ltd, which owned the house. When the house was reinspected three months later, however, council officers found that no improvements had been made to the house and that conditions had, in fact, been allowed to deteriorate.
Two other companies controlled by Craigie were also prosecuted for allowing faulty fire alarm systems in the property on Hornby Terrace and at another property in the town. The properties were managed through Mark Knight Property Management Ltd and Craig Property Management Ltd.
The court handed down fines of £2,500 for failing to keep the house on Hornby Terrace in good repair and £2,000 for each of the faulty fire alarm systems. Costs of £8,893 were also awarded.
Coun David Kerr, cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said: "This judgement confirms that landlords and letting agents must take full responsibility for ensuring that their properties are managed properly and kept in good repair and a safe condition.
"The substantial fine of £2,000 for failing to maintain the fire precautions in a house in multiple occupation highlights the importance placed on fire safety by both Lancaster City Council and the courts.
"Lancaster City Council will always try to work with landlords in the first instance, but we will not hesitate to use robust enforcement powers where necessary."
Date Updated: 19/03/09