Landlord fined over mouldy homes
A landlord has been made to pay more than £6,000 after vulnerable residents were found to be living in mouldy homes without smoke alarms.
Dudley Council prosecuted Balwinder Singh Dhadwal over a number of failings at properties in Wynall Lane, Stourbridge.
Housing officials were concerned for the safety of tenants living in the homes, many of which were found to have electrical problems.
Magistrates heard on Thursday that the council had tried to get Dhadwal to improve the standard of living conditions before taking him to court.
Dhadwal, aged 60, of Kidderminster Road, Hagley, pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Housing Act and failing to adhere an order preventing a property being re-let.
He was fined £5,325 and told to pay £1,310 in court costs.
The council's housing chief Gaye Partridge said: "This sends out a clear message that we will do everything we can to protect tenants living in private accommodation wherever possible.
"Landlords who do not take advice and fail to improve their properties can expect an expensive visit to court."
