An estate agent has been fined thousands of pounds for failing to tell the council who managed two flats affected by damp and mould.
Hastings Borough Council asked Jason Adams of Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents Ltd for details of who managed the first and second floor flats in Hughenden Road after complaints about damp and mould.
Despite an official notice and then reminder letter from the council, Mr Adams did not respond, and so he was taken to court – where he also failed to turn up on 13 February this year.
In his absence, Hastings Magistrates Court found him guilty, and he was given a £2,640 fine, required to pay a £1,056 victim surcharge and costs to the council of £877.09.
Cllr Glenn Haffenden, lead councillor for housing and community wellbeing, said: “As an administration, we are keen to support our landlords and managing agents who provide a much-needed contribution to the private rented sector in the town.
“Making sure that all our residents have a good quality home to live in is one of the top priorities in our new corporate plan.
“Our team of officers will engage with landlords and managing agents where appropriate to achieve compliance.
“However, where this is not appropriate or engagement is not forthcoming, we will not hesitate to take proportionate enforcement action.
“This protects occupiers but also helps to support a level playing field for those who do comply with their duties and responsibilities.”
