First Rotherham landlord prosecuted for not meeting selective licensing conditions

A LANDLORD who allowed rubbish to pile up outside a property has become the first to be prosecuted for breaching selective licensing conditions.
Sheffield Magistrates' CourtSheffield Magistrates' Court
Sheffield Magistrates' Court

Mohammed Tariq Iqbal was ordered to pay more than £1,000 by magistrates in Sheffield over the state of a house he rented out in Russell Street, Eastwood.

Karen Hanson, Rotherham Borough Council’s assistant director for street scene, said: “This is the first prosecution brought against a selective licence holder for breaching conditions, and the likelihood is there are more to come. 

“We are keen to support landlords to manage their properties appropriately and the majority of landlords in Rotherham are responsible.

“However, this case should serve as a warning that landlords must uphold acceptable standards in everything they do otherwise they will face the consequences.”

Iqbal (39), of Owen Close, was granted a licence for the Russell Street property but conditions were added after he allowed rubbish to accumulate in the back yard. He was fined £750 plus £273.74 costs for breaching these conditions.

Iqbal was also found to have let out another property in nearby Selbourne Street without a licence.

The court told him to engage with the council over sorting a licence or face further action.

Selective licensing was introduced in four areas of Rotherham in 2015 to improve house standards in the private rented sector. 

Several landlords have been prosecuted for not having the licences, which cost £592 per property for five years.

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