A Truro landlord who unlawfully changed the locks on a tenant's home, locking them out with their family possessions inside, has been fined more than £4,000.

Following an investigation by its private sector housing team, Cornwall Council successfully prosecuted Marlene Goodland of Chy-An-Bowjy, Ruan High Lanes, under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

She was found guilty by magistrates in Truro on December 13 of unlawfully depriving a tenant of their occupation of The Hideaway, also in Ruan Highlanes, and sentenced to a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £4321.80 to the council.

The court heard that on March 16, Goodland unlawfully entered the private rented house with a locksmith and changed the locks to the external doors, locking her tenant’s family possessions inside.

This meant she took back possession of the premises within the initial six months rental term.

Stuart Kenney, from Cornwall Council's private sector housing team, said: “The defendant informed the court that she believed that the tenant had vacated the premises at the time that she took possession. The landlord did not follow any lawful process before making the decision to enter the premises with a locksmith, change the locks and take over possession.

“However, the court found that she did not have a reasonable basis to believe that the property had been vacated. Taking over possession without following a lawful process is a risky business and in this case has resulted in a criminal conviction for the landlord and substantial costs and legal expenses.”

Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing and the environment Joyce Duffin said: “Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that an eviction follows a lawful process. Cornwall Council is committed to protecting the rights of private tenants and will take action where necessary to protect them. The only lawful method for a landlord to take possession is by obtaining a court order. In this case this was not done and the end result is a criminal conviction.

“Cornwall Council is committed to supporting landlords and has created a voluntary registration scheme called the Cornwall Responsible Landlords Scheme that is designed to assist landlords with their legal responsibilities. The council also strongly recommends that landlords join a recognised local or national landlords association”.

Details of the Cornwall Responsible Landlords Scheme can be found at cornwall.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing/responsible-landlord-scheme