Housing chiefs clamp down on bad landlords

HOUSING bosses have vowed to continue taking a tough line with private landlords who flout tenancy rules after a company was fined for evicting the resident of a flat after they were admitted to hospital.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Dec 2011, 06:00 BST

Sheffield Council said it would not tolerate the actions of companies like Velocity Management, which has been ordered to pay more than £3,600 after it evicted a tenant of its Velocity Tower, in the city’s St Mary’s Gate.

The authority brought a prosecution against the company on Thursday and magistrates fined the firm £2,000 and ordered that it must pay a further £1,673 in costs and compensation to the affected tenant.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Harry Harpham, Sheffield Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, said: “One of the worst experiences a tenant can have when private renting is to be made to leave illegally, and we believe that unlawful eviction can not be tolerated.

“It’s important to say that we have a very positive relationship with most private landlords in the city. Taking this action is aimed at warning the minority of irresponsible landlords that bad management is not acceptable.

“This prosecution is particularly important as it shows that the council is willing to tackle a wide variety of landlords, including those that are prominent in the city.”

Coun Harpham said taking action was part of the council’s commitment to making sure the private rented sector is safe, responsible and successful.

Nobody from Velocity Management was available for comment yesterday.

Related topics:Sheffield Council