Council warning to Torridge landlords

TORRIDGE District Council is urging landlords and property agents to make sure their properties are in good order – or face the consequences. The council has adopted a new policy for dealing with landlords and agents who fail to keep their properties up

TORRIDGE District Council is urging landlords and property agents to make sure their properties are in good order - or face the consequences.

The council has adopted a new policy for dealing with landlords and agents who fail to keep their properties up to standard. The Housing Act 2004 permits the council to charge for costs it incurs in carrying out certain duties.

Charges would only normally be levied where the owner fails to co-operate with the council, resulting in the service of notices. In addition, charges could be levied where there is a continued lack of co-operation and this results in the need to review a notice.

The Act also allows for the owner/agent to appeal to a Residential Property Tribunal, either against the notice or arguing that the level of the charge is unreasonable.

Lead member for housing Councillor David Lausen said: "Torridge must continue to do all it can to educate, inform and encourage property owners to undertake their responsibilities. However, firm enforcement action to protect the health and safety of tenants, occupiers and others will sometimes be necessary.