Lettings agency SB Lets has been found guilty and fined a total of £60,000 for three offences under The Protection from Eviction Act 1977, in a prosecution by Brighton and Hove City Council.
The council acted against SB Lets last year, following complaints from tenants about harassment.
• threats by email and phone for the occupier to move earlier than they needed
• vexatious court proceedings against tenants and their guarantors
• cutting off or reducing utility supplies
• entering tenants’ homes and rooms without notice or permission
• behaving in an intimidating manner
The company had earlier pleaded guilty to the three charges, reducing the fines to £20,000 each.
Each of the three victims of harassment were awarded £8,000 in compensation — to be paid out from the fines — and the sole director of SB Lets was ordered to pay the council £9,000 in legal costs.
Including its own legal fees, the prosecution has cost the lettings agency circa £119,000 to be paid over 18 months.
Judge Mooney was scathing in his comments about the behaviour of SB Lets, calling it “abhorrent and vile”.
Cllr Gill Williams, chair of the Housing & New Homes Committee, said: “This is an appalling case of unacceptable behaviour towards tenants in their own homes.
"The council led this prosecution as part of our role supporting any tenants treated unfairly.
“We’re happy that the sentencing reflects the severity of the case.
“It sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate landlords and letting agents acting unlawfully.”
