Two Carlisle-based rogue landlords have been fined more that £1,000 each following a successful prosecution by Carlisle City Council.
Following a series of unannounced visits to rented premises in November 2018, Carlisle City Council has successfully prosecuted Sait Colak (49) and Erkan Colak (43) – both of 41 Fernlea Way, Carlisle – for offences under the management of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regulations.
The visits backed by warrants from the Magistrates Court were carried out in coordination with the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria Police and the Immigration, Control and Enforcement Service.
The offences related to poor management and unsafe conditions in the property. The landlords were fined £1,000 each on Wednesday 8 May 2019 by Carlisle Magistrates Court. In addition to the fine, £150 costs and £50 Victim Surcharge were also imposed.
Both Sait Colak and Erkan Colak pleaded guilty (by post) and neither attended the hearing.
Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “The successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency working – a key feature of the Rogue Landlord Project funded by the Controlling Migration Fund. The project targets unlawful activity in the private rented sector with a focus on the Botchergate area and fast food premises.
“All Houses of Multiple Occupation should be properly managed; ensuring the safety and security of the tenants. In addition to this court prosecution, we are also now using the powers under the Housing and Planning Act 2016, to issue civil penalties against landlords. To date we have issued five civil penalties to landlords found to be operating without HMO licences.”
A House in Multiple Occupation is a privately rented property which is shared by more than two individuals and who share facilities such as a bathroom or kitchen. Any HMOs occupied by five or more individuals must be licensed. All HMOs must be managed to ensure the tenants are safe and secure.