Sandwell Council has successfully prosecuted a rogue landlord, for failing to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order (EPO) at a residential property in Rowley Regis.
On Friday 4 April, following trial, Mr Zakir Shah of Brook Lane, Moseley, Birmingham was found guilty of two charges of failing to comply with an Emergency Prohibition Order at Dudley Magistrates Court. Mr Shah was fined a total of £2,200 (£1,100 per offence), ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £880, and the council's full costs of £2,192.59. The total sum of £5,272.59 is payable within 28 days, and a collection order was for the total sum.
Mr Shah, being the leaseholder of a three-storey property at High Street, Rowley Regis, allowed occupants to use the residential parts of the property whilst they were in a hazardous state.
Council officers inspected the property in 2023 and found it to be in a dangerous condition with significant health and safety hazards. As a result, an Emergency Prohibition Order was served on Mr Shah, prohibiting the residential parts of the property from being used for the purposes of sleeping and residing. Despite this order, Mr Shah continued to allow the property to be used and during follow-up inspections on 16 April 2024 and 18 April 2024, officers found the residential parts still occupied and in the same hazardous state..
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.