Council serves Prohibition Orders to Rogue Landlord

Ashfield District Council, supported by Nottinghamshire Police, has served seven Emergency Prohibition Orders to one landlord in Hucknall.

The seven properties on Watnall Road, Hucknall were served the orders, meaning the properties cannot be legally occupied unless all works required are completed and the order is revoked.

Following a tip off from the power company, the Council’s Private Sector Enforcement team and officers from Nottinghamshire Police attended the properties. Following inspection five properties were prohibited due to a lack of power and the health impacts of no heating, hot water or lighting and two further properties were prohibited due to a dangerous external staircase which is rotting and at risk of collapse.

A further notice has been served on the rear shared area behind the properties due to a large accumulation of waste.

Cllr John Wilmott, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services said:

“It is shocking to hear that seven households were living without electricity and hot water, and that their landlord thought this was acceptable. This is a great example of partnership working between the Council and Police and demonstrates that we will not accept these rogue landlords in the District, taking advantage of their tenants."

Inspector Mark Dickson, district commander for Ashfield, said:

“This was another good bit of partnership working and we were happy to lend our support on the day to ensure the operation passed off smoothly and without incident. We will continue to support the local authority with similar actions in the future, and will also not hesitate to take any other actions necessary to safeguard vulnerable people and to target those people we suspect of committing offences.”

The tenants have all been fully supported to find alternative accommodation.