News-Landlord to pay £25,000 for licence breaches after leaving homes in disrepair

Inside one of the properties owned by Adil

We took legal action against Kamran Adil, of Halterburn Close in Gosforth, for failing to comply with the authority's selective licensing scheme.

The scheme applies to 103 areas in County Durham and gives the authority powers to regulate landlords and ensure private-rented properties are maintained to a high standard.

Failing to obtain licence

Peterlee Magistrates Court heard that Adil, 53, had been legally required to obtain a selective licence for his six properties in Blackhall Colliery since the scheme came into effect in April 2022.

The landlord had already been convicted and fined significantly by magistrates in April this year, for eight offences of failing to ensure he obtained licences for a further eight properties.

During this second investigation, Adil attended an interview with officers where he confirmed he knew his legal obligation and would make applications for obtaining a selective licence.

However, the court heard that the properties remain unlicensed.

Significant disrepair

In addition, magistrates were told the properties are in significant disrepair with issues including excess cold; damp and mould; electrical hazards; no carbon monoxide alarms; structural concerns; fire safety; pests and refuse.

Magistrates imposed a fine of £3,000 per property, and Adil was ordered to pay an £18,000 fine, £7,200 victim surcharge, and £350 costs, totalling £25,550.

Warm, safe housing

Ted Murphy, our building safety and housing standards manager, said: "The selective licensing scheme gives us the powers to ensure landlords are providing warm, safe, and high-quality housing for their tenants. Since the scheme came into effect in 2022, we have taken all reasonable steps to ensure Mr Adil complied with his legal requirements. Despite having previously faced conviction for not obtaining a licence, Mr Adil failed to adhere to his legal responsibility, meaning further action has been taken.

"No-one should have to live in substandard, unsafe accommodation which is why we proactively work to hold landlords to account. We hope this prosecution serves as a warning that we will not cease in taking action against those who fail to fulfil their duties as a landlord. We would encourage all landlords who have properties in County Durham to check whether they require a selective licence for their properties and, if so, ensure they are complying with the scheme."