A landlord has been banned for letting out a house for five years.
David Beattie, of Telford, is said to be the first in England to be banned from being a landlord.
In a case brought by Telford & Wrekin Council, Beattie has also been ordered to repay housing benefit paid to him by the council for two of his former tenants.
The council applied for a banning order and rent repayment order against Beattie after a successful prosecution over an unlicensed HMO.
At the First Tier Tribunal hearing, the Property Chamber heard that Beattie was not a fit and proper person to hold a licence for a HMO.
The tribunal heard that Beattie, knowing he would be refused a licence if he were to apply for it, continued to run a seven-bedroom property and advertise rooms in it.
The tribunal also found Beattie had issued licences rather than assured shorthold tenancies. The licences stated that tenants could be evicted in 48 hours or less.
Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for enforcement, said: “This is a landmark case; the first banning order to be applied since it became part of law more than a year ago.
“It shows how seriously we take the issue of rogue landlords.
“It is thanks to the hard work and dedication of our officers that once his existing leases expire this now former landlord can no longer continue to operate until 2024.”
Housing minister Esther McVey said: “Everyone deserves a decent and safe place to live, and I am determined to crack down on rogue landlords who consistently choose to neglect their responsibilities.
“I welcome the fact that councils like Telford & Wrekin are making use of the powers available to tackle these criminals, forcing them to either raise their standards or leave the sector entirely.”
Telford & Wrekin Council says it understands that Beattie has applied for leave to appeal the tribunal’s decision.
Housing lawyer Giles Speaker, writing about the case, noted that banning orders may be made against a person who has been convicted of a banning order offence; and was a landlord or agent at the time the offence was convicted.
I place all the cash in my pocket that he carries on, using a front instead.
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