Crawley Borough Council Takes a Stand Against Landlord Violations: Financial Penalties Imposed for Housing Act Offences

Financial Penalties Imposed on Landlords in Crawley for Housing Violations

Crawley Borough Council acts by fining local landlords who break the Housing Act 2004. Two landlords, Mr Nasser Butt and Mr Martin New, did not follow housing rules. The fines show how the council works to keep housing safe and fit for tenants.

Overview of the Violations

The Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal backed the council’s fines. Two landlords share a total penalty of £5,750. Mr Nasser Butt, who runs two HMO properties at Cross Path in Northgate and Priors Walk in Three Bridges, broke the rules. He allowed more people than his HMO licences let in. The council fined him £1,750 for the Cross Path property and £1,000 for the Priors Walk unit. The council’s Private Sector Housing Team found his properties were over-occupied.

Separately, Mr Martin New owns a property at Lincoln Close in Tilgate. He did not fix issues noted in an Improvement Notice. The notice pointed out housing that could put tenants at risk. Mr New first faced a fine of £5,100. He later saw that fine drop to £3,000 after his appeal.

Compliance with Housing Standards

Mr New had to take several steps to fix his property:

Replace the broken gas boiler,
Remove mould with proper fixes,
Repaint damaged areas,
Repair structural problems like a missing fence panel,
Remove an old shed from the garden.

These fines remind landlords to follow housing rules. Councillor Yasmin Khan, who handles Public Protection, said the council expects landlords to care for private housing. She noted that quick action stops bad practices and builds a safe housing market in Crawley.

Reporting and Support for Tenants

The council’s Private Sector Housing Team works to fix problems in private housing. They focus on cases that risk the safety of residents. The council asks tenants and the public to report both over-occupation and poor repair. Individuals can use the council’s website or email pu************@cr*****.uk.

For more on tenant rights or on landlord duties, visit the sites for Shelter, Citizens Advice, or the UK Government on housing rules.

Conclusion

The fines serve as a clear reminder that landlords must follow housing rules. Continuous checks help secure better housing for tenants. This work keeps the market safe and sound in Crawley. For more details on housing rules or to report a problem, check the Crawley Borough Council website or contact the Private Sector Housing Team.