Bradford Landlord Found Guilty of Criminal Offence

For the first time, a Bradford-based landlord, Mrs. Susan Lowe, living in Marsden was accused of criminal offence, which included damage to tenant’s belongings and unlawful tenant eviction. In July 2007, in front of the Bradford Crown Court, where a hearing relating to unlawful eviction of the tenant was held, Mrs. Lowe denied the charges.
The hearing was scheduled upon Kirklees Council’s Private Sector Housing Unit’s prosecution of the landlord. She was accused of being in breach with the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, which recognizes harassment or unlawful eviction of a tenant by a landlord or an agent a criminal offence.
The Bradford Crown Court also found Mrs. Lowe guilty of causing damage to the belongings of her tenant, which were left outside in the rain by her. Reportedly, the landlord changed the locks in the rental property when her tenant was away for the weekend; in addition, she moved the tenant’s belongings into the street and later refused to cooperate with council officers and/or let the tenant back in.
The landlord was sentenced to a 2-year conditional discharge and a fine of £1,500.
Mark Trueman, inspector, claimed that the case was unique to Kirklees. He added that he’s pleased with the sentence as it sends an important message to both, local tenants and landlords.
His point of view is shared by Councilor Andrew Marchington, who is strongly determined to prosecute those landlords, who end up breaking the law in order to make Kirklees and the Valleys a safe place for tenants and local residents.
He added that the local council is keen on cooperation with landlords; it runs several initiatives, including Landlord Accreditation Scheme, Housing Options and Support Service, Private Landlords Forum, and Private Sector Lettings Team.