A County Durham landlord has been fined £25,000 for leaving homes in ‘significant disrepair’. Durham County Council took legal action against Kamran Adil, of Hebburn Close in Gosforth, for failing to comply with his licensing obligations.
The local authority’s selective licensing scheme applies to 103 areas in County Durham, giving the council powers to regulate landlords and ensure that private-rented properties are maintained to a high standard.
Peterlee Magistrates Court heard that Adil, 53, had been legally required to obtain a selective licence for his six properties in Blackhall Colliery, after the scheme came into effect in April 2022. The landlord had already been convicted and fined significantly earlier in the year, for eight offences of failing to ensure he obtained licences for another eight properties.
During this second investigation, Adil attended an interview with officers, confirming that he knew his legal obligation, and would make applications for obtaining a selective licence. However, the court heard that the properties remain unlicensed and the situation has not been resolved.
In addition, magistrates were told the properties are in significant disrepair, with issues including excess cold, damp and mould, electrical hazards, no carbon monoxide alarms, structural concerns, fire safety, pests and refuse. Magistrates imposed a fine of £3,000 per property, with this adding up to an £18,000 fine, a £7,200 victim surcharge, and £350 in costs, totalling £25,550.
Ted Murphy, Durham County Council’s building safety and housing standards manager, said: “The selective licensing scheme gives us the powers to ensure landlords are providing warm, safe, and high-quality housing for their tenants. Since the scheme came into effect in 2022, we have taken all reasonable steps to ensure Mr Adil complied with his legal requirements.
“Despite having previously faced conviction for not obtaining a licence, Mr Adil failed to adhere to his legal responsibility, meaning further action has been taken.”
He added: “No-one should have to live in substandard, unsafe accommodation which is why we proactively work to hold landlords to account. We hope this prosecution serves as a warning that we will not cease in taking action against those who fail to fulfil their duties as a landlord.
“We would encourage all landlords who have properties in County Durham to check whether they require a selective licence for their properties and, if so, ensure they are complying with the scheme.”
For more information about the selective licensing scheme, visit the Durham County Council website here.
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