Tamworth Council Takes Decisive Action Against Rogue Landlord Over Hazardous HMOs
Two houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) operating illegally in Tamworth have been forcibly closed by the local authority following the discovery of a catalogue of severe safety failures that left tenants living in perilous conditions. The properties, both six-bedroom detached homes located in the Stonydelph area, were found to be in such a state of disrepair that they "failed to meet even the most basic of living standards and legal requirements," according to Tamworth Borough Council.
A Litany of Dangerous Living Conditions Uncovered
Council officers, acting on a tip-off from a concerned resident, conducted inspections that revealed a shocking disregard for tenant welfare. The comprehensive list of deficiencies included:
- Complete absence of central heating systems
- No provision of hot water for occupants
- Non-functional fire alarm and smoke detection systems
- Inadequate and potentially hazardous cooking facilities
- Unsafe access routes to outdoor garden areas
- Poor quality fire doors that compromised safety
The council spokesperson emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating that multiple serious safety failures were discovered across both properties, leaving authorities with no alternative but to issue emergency prohibition notices.
Landlord Ignored Repeated Council Warnings
The properties were owned by Edward Harris from Polesworth, who had been operating them as unlicensed HMOs in contravention of legal requirements. Despite receiving repeated warnings and advice from Tamworth Borough Council to address the dangerous conditions, both Harris and the management agency Touchstone Corporate Property Services Limited, which had been overseeing one property since September, consistently failed to take corrective action.
Councillor Ben Clarke, portfolio holder for housing, homelessness and planning, expressed frustration at the landlord's intransigence: "We worked extensively with the landlord and the management agency to give them every opportunity to put things right, but they failed to address the issues. This left us with no alternative but to issue prohibition orders and close both properties."
Enforcement Action and Tenant Support
The council issued closure notices on December 12 and 18, with the 28-day appeal period having now expired. All affected residents have been offered comprehensive support, advice and assistance from the council to help them secure alternative accommodation. The authority is now considering further enforcement action in relation to the properties.
Councillor Clarke stressed the council's unwavering commitment to housing standards: "Safety is always a priority, and in this case, the state of the properties left no choice but to act. No-one should be paying costly rent and have to live without heating or hot water, or in a property with inadequate fire safety measures. These basic standards are not negotiable."
Broader Context and Council Commitment
This enforcement action comes as the government introduces the Renters' Rights Act, which includes measures designed to raise standards across the private rented sector and provide tenants with greater protection. Tamworth Borough Council has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring all privately rented properties in the borough meet acceptable standards, promising to continue taking enforcement action against landlords operating illegally.
"Most landlords in Tamworth provide good quality homes and take their responsibilities seriously," added Councillor Clarke. "But where we find properties that fall below acceptable standards, we will not hesitate to act. This case should send a clear message that we take poor property standards very seriously and will use the full range of enforcement powers available to us to protect tenants."
The council encourages anyone with concerns about private rented properties to contact their private sector housing team via email at private-sectorhousing@tamworth.gov.uk or by telephone on 01827 709 388.
