Irresponsible landlords fined

TWO more landlords have been fined for failing to obtain licences for properties they rent out.

Both had not signed up to the Selective Licensing scheme - Oldham Council's initiative to improve the management of properties and flush out rogue landlords and irresponsible tenants.

It is a criminal offence to operate a privately rented property without a licence in St Mary's, Hathershaw, Waterhead, Hollinwood, Primrose Bank and selected areas of Coldhurst, Alexandra and Oldham Edge.

A landlord will also commit a criminal offence if they fail to comply with any of the conditions of a licence granted to them.

At Oldham Magistrates' Court recently, Julia Lee, of Greenway Street, Darwen, was found guilty in her absence of failing to licence her property on Derwent Walk, Oldham. She was fined £660 with £66 victim surcharge and £750 costs

Asha Rehman (38), of Landseer Street, Oldham, was also found guilty in her absence of failing to get a licence for a property on Hollins Road. She was also find £660 with £66 victim surcharge and £750 costs.

Both had ignored letters from the council informing them that they needed to sign up to the scheme.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: "Since this scheme started we've found the majority of private landlords in the areas where licensing is in force are supportive of what we are doing because they, like us, know that the rented sector in Oldham needs to improve.

"Unfortunately, there is still a small number of landlords who think the law doesn't apply to them.

"These court cases show that we will take action against landlords who flout the law.

"Some of the properties our officers have visited fail to meet the required homes standard, which can have a terrible impact on the health and welfare of tenants.

Standards

"This scheme aims to make private landlords meet satisfactory standards of tenancy and property management.

"But it is also about tenants acting responsibly in a way that does not blight their neighbourhood."

The Housing Act 2004 gives councils the power to introduce the licensing of private rented homes within a designated area.

The licence fee is £490 per rented property.

The fee can either be paid in its entirety on application - or there's an instalment option of paying half of the licence on application and the remaining half of the fee six months from the application date.

The fee covers five years.

If you have any queries regarding the scheme, email landlordlicensing@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 2244.