Landlord of unlicensed properties ordered to repay rent

A landlord who let five houses in Salford has been ordered to repay over a year’s worth of rental income of nearly £20,000 which he received in the form of housing benefit while his properties were unlicensed.

Dean Weinberg, who lives in Barnet, London, was ordered to repay £19,958 by the Residential Property Tribunal at a hearing which he did not attend. It is the second time that Salford City Council has obtained such an order.
 
The council introduced the licensing scheme in January 2011 in the Charleston and Lower Kersal areas, but Weinberg failed to apply for licences.

Gena Merrett, assistant mayor for housing and environment at Salford, said: “We make it quite clear to landlords that licensing is a legal requirement and that we will take action if they fail to comply. This includes seeking repayment of any housing benefit claimed while the properties are unlicensed.

“We introduced licensing to improve standards for private tenants and make sure landlords are fit and proper to run those properties. Mr Weinberg failed to comply and has paid the price.”

The houses are still unlicensed and Salford Council says it is considering further action.