TWO landlords who failed to put right poorly maintained properties have been ordered to pay a total of £3,847 for the offences by Truro magistrates.

Anthony Pickering and Alan Short pleaded guilty to breaching several requirements of the management of houses in multiple occupation regulations 2006 at a property in Pendarves Street, Tuckingmill, Camborne, following prosecution by Cornwall Council.

They were ordered to pay a total of £3,847 - £2,000 for the offences committed, £1,647 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £200.

Cornwall Council Private Sector Housing Team visited the premises on January 19, 2017, and found that the communal kitchen and bathroom, staircase, rear out building and garden were poorly maintained. The landlords were given an opportunity to put right the problems but failed to do so.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes Andrew Mitchell said: “Well managed multi-occupancy houses are an important part of the housing market in Cornwall. However where the standards of management are poor, it can place tenants at significant risk of serious harm. In situations such as this, the council will take enforcement action to protect the health, safety and welfare of occupiers.”

In 2018 it is anticipated that the Government will widen the coverage of the existing mandatory licensing scheme to cover all rented housing shared by five or more people. To find out more and keep abreast of changes to the private rented sector, landlords are encouraged to join the free Cornwall Responsible Landlords Scheme.