Two landlords have been fined after a court found that two properties they were letting were unsafe and in poor repair.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council brought charges against Carole Anne Spencer, 58, of St Patricks Avenue, Weymouth and Innes Glenn Spencer, 53, also of St Patricks Avenue, Weymouth.
A total of 10 charges relating to the condition of a house in Weston Road, Portland were brought against both Mr and Mrs Spencer.
A further 14 charges relating to the condition of a house in Reforne, Portland, were also brought against Mrs Spencer. A total of two charges were brought against Mr Spencer in relation to the same property.
A trial was held yesterday (26 August) at Weymouth Magistrates Court after Mr and Mrs Spencer denied most of the charges.
In relation to the property in Weston Road, Innes Spencer denied seven of the charges and admitted three. He was then tried and found guilty and sentenced for all 10 offences. He was fined £2,300.
In relation to the property in Weston Road, Carole Spencer denied eight of the charges and admitted two. She was then tried and found guilty and sentenced for all 10 offences. She was fined £2,600.
Carole Spencer faced 14 charges in relation to the property in Reforne, Portland. She denied 13 of the charges and admitted one. She was tried, found guilty and sentenced for all 14 offences. She was fined £3,950.
Innes Spencer was charged with two offences in relation to the property in Reforne, Portland. He denied both but was found guilty at the trial. No separate penalty was enforced.
Mr and Mrs Spencer were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge. Mr Spencer was ordered to pay £60 and Mrs Spencer £90.
The court also ordered that they pay the costs of the case, which amounted to £10,860. They were ordered to pay £5,430 each.
After the case, Councillor Kevin Brookes, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Housing Briefholder, said: “This sends out a strong message that we will not tolerate dangerous and poor quality accommodation for residents.
“However, prosecutions are a last resort. We are committed to working with landlords so they are made aware of problems and know their responsibilities. We can advise, guide and assist them to improve their properties. However if landlords refuse to improve, we will take action.”
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council worked with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service on parts of this case. Some of the charges related to matters of fire safety as well as general disrepair. The charges were mainly brought under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 and the Housing Act 2004.
For more information please contact Kate Shelley in the borough council’s communications team on 01305 252316.
