Landlord fined for housing 13 people in a single house

It's the second time South Gloucestershire Council pursued a prosecution against Giuseppe Suterra.

Author: Chris TatePublished 19th Apr 2024
Last updated 19th Apr 2024

A landlord from South Gloucestershire who has 'repeatedly flouted housing rules' has been fined again for housing 13 people, including children, in a single house.

Giuseppe Suterra appeared before magistrates in Bristol earlier this week for a second prosecution pursued by South Gloucestershire Council.

Mr Suterra has now been told to pay a total over £80,000 after the semi detached house in Patchway had severe damp and mould, inadequate fire precautions and no fixed heating.

Shaun Fudge, service manager for Private Sector Housing at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “There are approximately 17,000 privately rented properties here in South Gloucestershire, and it’s unacceptable when landlords fail to meet their legal responsibilities in relation to the conditions of the homes they offer for rent."

“The council’s Private Sector Housing team always endeavour to engage with and work with landlords to bring their properties up to standard, but where this informal approach fails, we are left with no option but to take enforcement action."

“The level of the fines handed out to this landlord acts as serious warning to others disregarding the rules that they have a legal responsibility to protect their tenants and provide a safe and decent property for them to live in, and if they fail to do this, action will be taken.”