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Prosecution of a Flintshire landlord who contravened prohibition orders

Published: 30/10/2018

Flintshire County Council’s Environmental Health Officers have successfully prosecuted a Flintshire private sector landlord for several offences under housing legislation designed to protect tenants in the private rented sector.

In Wrexham Magistrates Court, David Peter Evans pleaded guilty to offences relating to 341 High Street, a poorly converted house of multiple occupation (HMO) in Connah’s Quay. The premises were subject to prohibition orders which prohibited the premises from being occupied because of the serious health and safety hazards present including excess cold, electrical and fire hazards. However, Environmental Health Officers were subsequently alerted to the fact that the premises had been reoccupied.

Mr Evans was found guilty of failure to comply with a Prohibition Order and failure to comply with two Emergency Prohibition Orders made under the Housing Act 2004 in relation to flats at 341 High Street, Connah’s Quay.

Mr Evans was fined £300 for each of the three offences totalling £900. He was also ordered to pay Flintshire County Council’s costs of £933 along with a victim surcharge of £30, for a total fine of £1,863.

In mitigation it was heard that Mr Evans had sold the property and was no longer a landlord.

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, Councillor Chris Bithell, said:

“This successful prosecution sends a clear message that Flintshire County Council will not tolerate the flouting of notices and orders served in order to protect tenants living in the private rented sector. It reflects Flintshire County Council’s commitment to ensuring homes in the private rented sector are in good repair and have all the necessary amenities.”