There is a growing problem of ‘dangerous properties’ putting tenants at risk due to poor or no maintenance by landlords, according to the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC).
A recent case where landlord Ravinder Singh Takhar, 57, of Reading was fined £12,000 for failing to maintain a rental property is a prime example.
Pat Barber, Chair of the AIIC, said: “It is an unfortunate truth in the UK, that many disadvantaged tenants are put in danger by unscrupulous landlords who exploit their vulnerability. Some of these tenants have to live in properties, full of dangerous hazards which put their safety at risk. We have seen dangerous hazards in a range of properties including faulty gas boilers and fires; excessive mould throughout the property; exposed electric wiring; gardens littered with rusty car parts and other metal items; and faulty fire alarms.”
Singh Takhar, owned and let a house which had been converted into four flats. He was recently prosecuted under the Housing Act and Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act for failing to comply with regulations in respect of managing HMOs and one of failing to provide information in respect of a property.
The most common dangers found in properties are severe damp and mould; bare wiring; broken windows; dilapidated sheds; overgrown gardens with concealed barbed wire, broken glass and holes in the ground; large wardrobes and cupboards not securely fixed to the wall; unserviced and faulty boilers; damaged and leaning brick walls; no keys for window locks; and no smoke alarms fitted.
Barber said: “In one recent property, during an end of tenancy check out inspection, the inventory clerk discovered a completely overgrown garden pond which was so hidden, she almost fell into it. The garden shed was so dilapidated that it leant at an alarming angle and could have collapsed at any time. It was impossible to open the door to reach any gardening equipment and also posed a serious safety hazard to the tenants.
“Many families and young children are at risk from negligent landlords, all of whom have a ‘duty of care’ and as such, should be making regular visits to properties – every three months - to check health and safety.”
