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Rogue Landlord Hit with Record Fine

A landlord has been ordered to pay almost £114,000 for breaking management regulations.

Beckhall Properties Ltd, of Lower Hillgate, Stockport was fined a total of £108,000 for 12 separate offences.

The company was also ordered to pay the city council’s costs of £5,692.

Beckhall Properties Ltd who pleaded guilty to all 12 offences were represented by a Solicitor but failed to attend the court hearing.

Beckhall Properties Ltd is required to meet management regulations for their buildings – which are converted into self-contained flats – under Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) legislation.

The regulations ensure minimum safety standards are maintained including fire safety and gas safety.

Manchester City Council and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council have both previously conducted successful prosecutions against the company.

Earlier this year Beckhall Properties Ltd was ordered to pay £12,400 after being found guilty of breaching a number of management regulations following an investigation by the Manchester City Council.

The earlier investigation brought Beckhall Properties Ltd – who own a number of properties in Manchester – to the attention of the city council’s Housing Enforcement and Compliance Team.

The team continued to investigate Beckhall Properties Ltd as part of a project  to crackdown on unscrupulous landlords and protect tenants.

The latest investigation discovered a catalogue of breaches of management regulations at five properties on Clarendon Road, Whalley Range, owned by Beckhall Properties Limited, including: a defective fire alarm and fire doors, unmaintained fire extinguishers, disconnected smoke and heat detectors,  failing to provide gas and electrical safety certificates, a dangerous staircase, dampness, overgrown land and carelessly discarded waste.

Following the investigation Beckhall Properties Limited was twice given the opportunity to discuss the council’s findings but on both occasions failed to attend an interview.

Cllr Bernard Priest, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Let the size of the fine send a message – in no uncertain terms – that it is simply unacceptable for landlords to fail in their legal obligations. Landlords have a duty to ensure their properties are suitably maintained and are not hazardous to their tenant’s safety. This rogue landlord has failed their tenants, at a number of properties, and will now pay a heavy price.

“We will continue to pursue enforcement action to defend the rights of tenants and will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone whose property fails to meet the required standards.”