Bristol rouge landlord has appeal against ban rejected
The landlord admitted offences including fire safety issues and poor conditions in her properties
A Bristol woman who is banned from letting properties in the city has had an appeal against the decision thrown out.
Naomi Knapp who owns 29 properties in Bristol was banned from renting them after admitting several issues including fire safety problems and general poor conditions.
She was also fined £22,000 for the offences in April 2021 and a five year ban was applied in August last year.
An appeal from Ms Knapp on six different grounds has now been dismissed, with Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees saying rouge landlords "have no place" in the city.
The case marks the first time in the UK that the courts have heard an appeal against a banning order under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.
Councillor Tom Renhard, Cabinet Member for Housing Delivery and Homes, said: “This is an important case for Bristol City Council, and the first of its kind in the country.
"Having a safe and secure roof over our heads is key to ensuring we all have the best possible opportunity to live a happy and healthy life but, unfortunately, many renters still live in fear of spiralling costs, poor quality housing, and unfair evictions.
“We are working hard to make sure that people living in private rented accommodation have adequate protections and decent living standards.
"We will take action to crack down on criminal landlords who do not meet the legal requirements for a safe and secure living environment.”
In a statement Bristol City Council says tenants of Ms Knapp do "not need to do anything" at the moment.
"The Banning Order does not change a renter’s legal rights and does not necessarily mean they will need to leave their properties," the statement reads.
"However, if they are concerned about their rights they should contact the council or Citizen’s Advice Bureau for support."
This is the third Banning Order the council’s Rogue Landlord Team have applied for and been granted.