Landlord fined £24k for breaching Selective Licensing requirements

Following a joint investigation between Wirral Council’s Housing Standards and Trading Standards teams, a Neston-based property company and its director have been prosecuted for 11 consumer protection and housing offences.

District Judge Sanders heard earlier this month at Wirral Magistrates Court that Andrews Estates Limited, who have offices in Neston and Prenton, failed to secure the deposits of seven individual tenants in a government-approved scheme, all of which were located within Wirral Council’s designated Selective Licensing areas.

In addition to failing to secure the deposits the company director, Andrew Stephen Smith of Parkgate, also pleaded guilty to providing false information to the council and a further unfair trading offence relating to his company’s website.

Since April 6, 2007 it has been a legal requirement for any deposit taken for an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement to be put in a Government-backed tenancy deposit scheme by the landlord within 30 days.

Landlords can choose which scheme they wish to use to safeguard each deposit.

As a result of the company’s failings, Mr Smith and his company where ordered to pay £24,118 in fines and costs for offences committed under Housing Act 2004 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Cllr Stuart Whittingham, Wirral Council cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “Landlords are required to manage their property in accordance with the law.

“The failings of this company put potentially vulnerable tenants’ deposits at risk, which is unacceptable.

“The purpose of the Selective Licensing Scheme is to ensure properties are being managed correctly, and this case demonstrates what an invaluable tool selective licensing is.”

Cllr Tom Usher, cabinet member for children, families and education, added: “This is a great result for the council, showing the importance of teams working together and using consumer protection laws, as well as housing legislation, to protect potentially vulnerable tenants.”