A rogue landlord has been fined £1,384 for failing to get a council licence for two buy to let properties.

The case was bought by Scarborough borough council against the landlord from Filey, who was convicted under Section 95 of the Housing Act 2004 for failing to selectively licence properties he owns in Scarborough.

At the hearing just before Christmas, John Hood pleaded guilty to the charges. 

In addition to the fine, he was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £69 and costs of £490, giving a total amount due of £1,943.

A council spokeswoman says: “As part of our commitment to building a better borough, we are committed to providing a good quality home for all our residents. Improving housing conditions within the private rented sector through the use of selective licensing is a key part of this. 

“It is not acceptable that some local landlords fail to meet their obligations to their tenants and flaunt legal requirements that exist to ensure the homes they manage are both licenced and safe.”

The same council recently agreed to extend its existing selective licensing regime into other parts of the town – a formal consultation will be held between January and the end of March.