An absentee landlord who failed to address safety concerns over a Falmouth property has been ordered to pay over £5,000 following a successful prosecution by Cornwall Council.

Following a hearing at Truro Magistrates Court on November 25, the council’s Private Sector Housing Team successfully prosecuted landlord Justin Hedley Paull, of 106 Viking Court, Ramsey on the Isle of Man.

The charges were brought after several inspections by police and health and social care workers found hazards related to falls between levels, excess cold, and fire, as well as breaches of management regulations.

The issues were not resolved even after improvement notices and a management regulations letter were issued, although the works have now been carried out.

Joyce Duffin, portfolio holder for Housing and Environment said: “It is acknowledged that there are still some landlords who are not fulfilling their legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their tenants. The council will make every effort to work with landlords but those who plead ignorance or fail in their obligations can rest assured that the council will make every effort to bring them to book.”

Zoe Storer, principal officer for Private Sector Housing said: “This case highlights the need for proper management arrangements to be in place where there is an absentee landlord. All landlords must ensure that their properties meet minimum safety standards and is managed in the appropriate way. Any landlord who is unsure of their obligations is encouraged to contact the Private Sector Housing Team.

“Cornwall Council in partnership with local and national residential landlord associations have developed a scheme whereby landlords can work in partnership with regulators to ensure that legal obligations are met.”

For more details on the Cornwall Responsible Landlords Scheme please contact us on 01872 224543 or by email to rlsc@cornwall.gov.uk