‘Slum’ landlord prosecuted
A Liverpool landlord has been hit with a fine of almost £14,000 for allowing tenants to live in what have been described by a District Judge as “slum” conditions.
Roach Estates and Property Management Ltd, and directors Phillip Range and David Kellard, were found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on 7 January.
Liverpool City Council’s Private Sector Housing Service discovered serious issues at the property on Goodison Road in Walton in July 2023, including:
- Damp and mould growth from damaged brickwork to the front bay lintel, and a flat roof allowing leaks into the kitchen
- Broken gutters and waste water discharging directly onto the flat roof
- Uneven stairs and a deep step over pipework and the door frame into the yard
- Structural collapse and falling elements from missing mortar and loose bricks in a wall
- The kitchen ceiling was bowing under the flat roof and the ceiling has since collapsed
- An open fuse box with live wiring and an intermittent electrical supply
- Exposed wiring and a missing light fitting in the kitchen where water has dripped through the roof
- A defective fire door
The landlord was served with an Improvement Notice and ordered to resolve the issues by February 2024.
A subsequent reinspection in March 2024 found they had not taken adequate action to rectify the hazards identified and bring the property up to a safe standard. Some of the issues had deteriorated further.
Damp on the kitchen ceiling
In court, Presiding District Judge Wendy Lloyd described them as “slum” conditions and handed down fines totalling £13,867.31.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Sam East, said: “This has truly been a house of horrors for the tenants, who have endured terrible conditions.
“I am pleased that the landlord has been hit hard in the pocket for their negligence in failing to ensure that the property was of a decent standard.
“This is exactly the type of issue that our Landlord Licensing scheme is designed to tackle and it sends out a strong message to the sector that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour.
“If people living in privately rented properties have an issue, they can get in touch with our team by filling in the referral form on our website.”
A hole in the landing floor
In 2024, Liverpool City Council brought 33 prosecutions against landlords, with fines totalling £342,584 handed down. A further 11 Civil Penalty Notices were issued, with fines totalling £59,862.50.
To report disrepair or poor management in a privately rented home, you can get in touch with the Council’s Private Sector Housing team by emailing privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk, or making a referral online at https://liverpool.gov.uk/housing/report-housing-standards-and-conditions/private-housing-conditions/