Sheffield housing association fined over 'dangerous, substandard' properties

Choice Housing Limited - a not for profit housing association for vulnerable tenants - pleaded guilty to nine breaches of multiple occupancy rules in relation to four properties.

Choice Housing Limited was fined £450, ordered to pay £125 costs and a victim surcharge of £30. The company's sole director Mr Robert Mellors was fined £450, ordered to pay £125 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

The court heard how Choice Housing Limited and Mr Robert Winston Mellors, age 50, of Herrick Drive, Worksop showed a complete disregard to the duty of care owed to their tenants and allowed the properties to fall into dangerous substandard condition.

Janet Sharpe, Director of Housing and Neighbourhoods Service at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are still encouraging all private tenants who experience problems to make sure that they let us know.

"The overwhelming message we are getting from good landlords and tenants is one of thanks and relief that as a council we are exposing the landlords who don’t stick to the rules which tarnishes the whole sector.

“Let this be another strong lesson to everyone that enters the private rental market in Sheffield. We can and will act. And we won’t stop until we’ve driven out anyone that doesn’t comply with their legal responsibilities.

Remember that we can only act if we know about any issues so we urge people get in touch if they need help and advice.”

Sheffield Council’s private housing standards team are responsible for the regulation of the private rented sector in Sheffield.

Every year they deal with around 2,000 new enquiries relating to the conditions and management of private rented homes.

Tenants or landlords wanting advice on any aspect of private renting can contact them for help and advice at www.sheffield.gov.uk/phs, 0114 273 4680 or [email protected].