Licence breaches cost landlords

Two private landlords in Manchester have been hit with charges of over £4,000 apiece for failing to obtain a licence to rent out property.

Brian Rafter of Beetham Tower, Deansgate, was found guilty in his absence and fined £1,500, told to pay costs of £1,432 and £15 victims of crime surcharge at a hearing at Manchester Magistrates Court on 12 January.

Rafter was convicted of renting properties without a licence on Leegrange and Nepaul Road in Harpurhey and Asher for a property on Maida Street in Gorton. Every privately rented property in these areas requires a licence. Rafter has now made steps to obtain licences for two properties.

At a separate hearing on the same day Mohammed Asher of Lancaster Road, Salford, was charged in his absence to pay a £750 fine, £1,432 in costs and £15 victims of crime surcharge.

Manchester City Council contacted both landlords on a number of occasions advising them of the licensing scheme and requested they apply for a licence.

Asher has yet to apply for a licence and runs the risk of the council taking over the management of his property, as well as further legal action.

Cllr Paul Andrews, executive member for Neighbourhood Services, said: "Selective Licensing protects residents from unscrupulous landlords who do not manage their properties properly and do not take their position as landlord seriously.

"We have given these landlords every opportunity to apply for licences and these convictions should warn other landlords; if they do not act responsibly and meet their legal obligations, we will prosecute."