A local council has taken action against two landlords for serious breaches of housing laws, highlighting its commitment to tenant rights and housing standards.
In one case, a landlord based in Peterborough was found guilty of unlawfully evicting a tenant from a shared house located in Cambridge. This prosecution serves as a strong warning to other landlords about the importance of following proper legal procedures when dealing with tenant disputes.
The matter came to light when Cambridge City Council received a complaint from a tenant who reported being locked out of their home. Following the complaint, the council initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged eviction.
Their findings confirmed that the tenant had been illegally evicted from a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), a property type subject to stricter rules due to the number of unrelated tenants sharing facilities.
Evidence presented to the court showed that the landlord had changed the locks while the tenant was away and had removed their personal belongings from the property, effectively denying them access without any legal recourse or court order.
As a result of these actions, the landlord was prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £10,126. This amount included fines, legal costs, and other associated penalties.
This case underscores the severity of conducting an illegal eviction, which not only breaches housing law but also significantly impacts the well-being and stability of tenants.
In a separate incident, another landlord operating in Cambridge was handed a civil penalty after being found to have managed an unlicensed HMO. The fine totalled £2,597, reflecting the seriousness of failing to meet licensing requirements.
The landlord, who owns several rental properties throughout the city, had been operating the unlicensed HMO since 2018, despite legislation mandating such properties to be licensed in order to meet health and safety standards.
The council’s action emphasises the importance of obtaining the correct licences when managing rental properties, especially those housing multiple tenants, to ensure all safety and management standards are adhered to.
A spokesperson from Cambridge City Council expressed strong support for tenants’ rights and emphasised that no resident should live in fear of sudden eviction or poor housing conditions.
They reaffirmed the council’s dedication to enforcing the legal responsibilities of landlords to safeguard tenants against exploitative or negligent behaviour in the private rental sector.
The spokesperson encouraged tenants who are concerned about the condition of their rental accommodation or the conduct of their landlord to come forward and seek help from the council.
They also highlighted the council’s proactive efforts in providing landlords with guidance and support to help them remain compliant with legal standards and promote good housing practices.
The council’s approach is balanced, aiming not only to protect tenants but also to work constructively with landlords to improve standards across the private rental sector.
By enforcing penalties where necessary and offering support where possible, the council is ensuring that the private rented housing market remains fair, safe, and responsible for all parties involved.