Landlords fined for failing to license properties in Hastings

The cases were heard at Hastings Magistrates Court last Friday (May 26).

The case against Jonathan Pett, of Priams Way, Stapleford, Cambridge, was proven guilty in his absence and he was fined £600, with costs of £432 and a victim surcharge of £60 for failing to license a flat in Brittany Road, St Leonards.

Angela Wright of Chigwell Road, London, pleaded guilty by letter and was fined £200, with costs of £432 and a victim surcharge of £20 for failing to license a house in Hurrell Road, Hastings.

Neil Gould of Seaside Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty by letter and was fined £500 with costs of £432 and a victim surcharge of £50 for failing to license a house in Percy Road, Hastings.

Matthew China, the council’s housing renewal manager, explained: “All landlords within certain parts of the town are required to license their accommodation with the council.

“The licensing scheme helps us ensure that the quality of the rented accommodation is of the required standard. Most landlords are great, but there are some whose properties do not meet the required standards, which is why it is vital that landlords do license their accommodation with us.

“The magistrates took into account the circumstances relating to each case and sentenced accordingly.

“These property owners have found to their cost that we do take this scheme seriously, and further prosecutions are likely.

“I would urge any landlord who rents property in Hastings to visit http://www.hastings.gov.uk/housing/improvement/selective_licensing_scheme/ and check and see if they need to apply for a licence.”

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