A landlord has been fined £600 for failing to comply with statutory notices to bring a property he owns up to an acceptable living standard for the benefit of his tenant.
At Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 24 July, Mr Kanangspasabapthy Mathisoody, the owner of a flat above a shop in High Street, Epping, pleaded guilty to two offences of failing to bring his property up to an acceptable standard. As well as the £300 for each offence, he was fined £15 victim surcharge and ordered to pay the council’s prosecution costs of £475.
Epping Forest District Council brought the prosecution against Mr Mathisoody after he failed to comply with the two statutory notices served on him by the private sector housing team at the council. The requirements of the notices were to carry out work to the flat in Lion Court, Epping in order to provide adequate heating to the property, install new windows and replace the ill-fitting door. He was also required to remove an electric fitting from the bathroom as it was a danger.
Mr Mathisoody did not appeal against the notices and failed to carry out the work required in the time allowed, so prosecution proceedings were commenced. The council will continue to pursue this to ensure all the necessary works are completed.
