Rogue landlord allowed use of Rowley Regis house to continue despite prohibition order
A landlord who allowed tenants to use prohibited areas of a house he let in Rowley Regis has been fined.
Zakir Shah was prosecuted by Sandwell Council for failing to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) which had been given in 2023 after inspectors found his property to be in a dangerous condition with significant health and safety hazards. The order prevented people from residing and sleeping there.
Despite this, Shah continued to allow occupants to use the prohibited areas.
Officers also found the residential parts still occupied and in the same hazardous state after two follow up inspections in April last year.
On Friday 4 April, at Dudley Magistrates Court after a trial Shah, of Brook Lane, Moseley, Birmingham was found guilty of two charges of failing to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order.
He was fined a total of £2,200, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £880, and the council's full costs of £2,192.59.
Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, said: "We are pleased with the outcome of this case.
"It sends a clear message that Sandwell Council will not tolerate any breaches of housing regulations.
"Our priority is to protect our residents and ensure they live in safe and healthy environments. We will continue to take firm action against landlords who disregard legal orders and put tenants at risk."
Sandwell Council remains dedicated to enforcing housing standards and taking necessary actions against those who fail to comply with legal requirements.
Anyone concerned about the condition of their private rental property can report their issues to Sandwell Council by calling 0121 368 1177 and selecting option 2, or by emailing the team at [email protected].