Multiple health and safety issues lead to court and fine

A landlord has been prosecuted and fined for failure to comply with two Improvement Notices “resulting in a catalogue of health and safety hazards in the privately rented flat” according to a local council.

Alan Kevin Fowler, of Woking, failed to carry out work - described by the local council as “vital” - that would ensure the safety of his tenants including the installation of smoke alarms to protect tenants in case of fire. 

He failed to repair a faulty extractor fan, or carry out a full electrical inspection of the property and did not provide documentation to demonstrate that the high pressure hot water cylinder was installed properly, and had not cleaned and treated the mould growth which had resulted from the cylinder leaking. 

In addition he had not replaced the badly cracked ceramic floor tiles in both the kitchen and bathroom and had not repaired the toilet that was leaking.

When requested, Fowler failed to respond to a legal notice served under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 requiring him to provide information about the ownership and occupation of the accommodation.

He was found guilty on both accounts and fined £4,500 and ordered to pay £3,732.11 costs to Woking council, as well as a victim surcharge of £200, totalling £8,432.11.

The council operates an accreditation scheme, in partnership with the National Landlord Association.