A statement from a city council claims that a property company failed to attend court in a case of deposit protection, and failed to pay a fixed penalty notice.

The statement – from Belfast city council – says: “A residential estate agent trading as Bowden Property Group Ltd was fined £1,600 for failing to protect a deposit of £340. The company failed to attend Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday 16 April) and were convicted in their absence for failing to secure the tenancy deposit. 

“The Private Tenancy (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 Article 5B requires landlord/agent (the person who receives the deposit) to secure the tenant deposit within 28 days of receipt. 

“A Fixed Penalty had been issued for £1020 but was not paid, therefore Court action resulted.”

Letting Agent Today has attempted to contact Bowden Property Group but its Facebook page has not been updated for some time and its website appears to be down.

Companies House has temporarily suspended a process to strike off the agency.