Wajid Mahmood, 41, of Holden Street, Clitheroe, was fined £2,025 and ordered to pay costs totalling £2,846.54 by Blackburn magistrates. The charges related to his failure to comply with an improvement notice issued by Ribble Valley Borough Council for a property in Bawdlands, Clitheroe.
Environmental health officers from the council discovered several hazards during inspections, including significant damp and mould growth, a defective boiler, faulty electrics, and a lack of hot running water. The court was told that one tenant could not wash properly due to the absence of hot water, and the front door of the ground floor flat did not lock.
Magistrates heard that the property's condition had a serious impact on the tenant's mental health. A subsequent inspection, after a new tenant moved in, revealed that most of the required repairs had not been completed.
In mitigation, the court heard that Mahmood pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and had no previous convictions. His defence stated that serious health issues within his close family had required his attention, and while works were delayed, most have now been completed.
Councillor Mark Hindle, chairman of the council’s health and housing committee, stated that the case demonstrates the council's willingness to take enforcement action against landlords who fail to maintain basic standards. He emphasised that landlords have both moral and legal duties to ensure rented properties are safe, clean, and secure.