A rogue landlord in Southend has been fined over £25,000 for renting out an unsafe property and ignoring a prohibition order.
Southend Council found that Samuel Nyantakyi was letting out the property without the required selective licence and continued to do so after being issued a prohibition order.
Inspectors found several “significant” hazards at the property which posed “serious risks” to the health and safety of its occupants.
On 14th May, Southend Magistrates Court ordered Nyantaki to pay over £25,000 after finding him guilty of breaching the prohibition order and letting the property without the required licence in place.
His “clear non-compliance” also contributed to the penalty.
Nyantaki was ordered to pay £14,000 for breaching the prohibition order, £1,760 for failing to obtain a selective licence, £3,160.39 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £6,304.
"No one should have to live in unsafe conditions, and we will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action where landlords ignore the law and put tenants at risk,” said councillor Irene Ferguson, cabinet member for housing and preventing homelessness at Southend Council.
"This case sends a clear message: we will pursue landlords who fail in their legal responsibilities, and we will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our residents."
