Dorset landlord fined £7,500 for having unsafe electrics

An investigation was carried out following complaints to Dorset Council

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 25th Feb 2023

A landlord of a rented property in Dorset's been fined 7 and a half thousand pounds for dangerous electrics.

Dorset Council's Housing Standards Team were called in to investigate after receiving a complaint.

They found the property was in serious disrepair - with an electrical system so dangerous - it had to be disconnected.

The landlord - who can't be named for legal reasons - failed to comply even when they were advised of their legal duties.

Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety, said:

“We have many very responsible landlords in Dorset, who provide invaluable rented homes. We want to do what we can to encourage them through our landlord’s partnership, to continue to provide excellent accommodation.

“In cases where landlords do not follow the rules, ignore our advice, and rent substandard or outright dangerous accommodation, we will not hesitate to act. By using new powers and issuing a large financial penalty of £7,500, which was paid up by the landlord, we took fair and necessary action, which reflects the seriousness of the case. I hope this fine will reassure tenants and our responsible landlords that we are committed to driving out rogue landlords and that it acts as a clear deterrent, that Dorset Council will not tolerate poorly managed rented homes.”

Landlords in Dorset are encouraged to join the Council's landlords partnership, which aims to keep landlords ‘up to date’ with the latest legal and other requirements.

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