Cambridge City Council has taken action against rogue landlords in a bid to help protect private renters.
Unlawful eviction prosecution
A subtenant has been fined more than £14,000 after unlawfully evicting two tenants from an illegally sublet housing association property in Trumpington.
During this time, she was subletting the property without permission from the housing association.
Cambridge City Council worked closely with BPHA and the affected tenants to investigate the case.
The matter was referred to Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. The subtenant didn’t attend court, didn’t enter a plea and was found guilty of Illegal eviction of tenants.
Having described their behaviour as “appalling”, the judge ordered them to pay £14,431.55, including costs.
Unlawful subletting is a form of tenancy fraud and residents are encouraged to report their concerns.
Banning order
In October, the council also secured a second banning order against a rogue landlord.
The landlord has previously been prosecuted twice by the council in 2021 and 2023: first in 2021 for failing to comply with an improvement notice – for which a 30-month banning order was imposed – and then again in 2023 for multiple breaches of the banning order, including offences of harassment under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and obstruction under the Housing Act 2004 for preventing council officers from carrying out their duties.
The second banning order application was made as a result of the second prosecution in 2023 and was heard at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court. The landlord did not attend.
As a result, he is now banned from letting properties, engaging in letting agency work, or engaging in property management work in England for a period of five years. He has also been added to the national database of rogue landlords for the duration of the banning order to ensure other local authorities are aware of his convictions and to prevent him from operating in other areas.
If the order is breached, penalties can include imprisonment for up to 51 weeks, a court fine, or both – or a civil penalty of up to £30,000.
Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “I welcome this successful prosecution and banning order - this outcome demonstrates the council’s commitment to protecting private renters and upholding housing standards in the private sector.
“Landlords who break the law will face serious consequences, whether through prosecution or banning orders. I hope this set’s an example to the small minority of landlords and property agents who fail to comply with the law and put their tenants at risk.
“Everyone deserves a safe and secure home and to be treated with dignity.”
Advice for residents living in private rented accommodation
You can raise concerns or make a complaint about private rented accommodation in the city to the council. This could be about the safety, suitability or management of the property and includes properties that might not be licensed when they should be.
Renters are advised to always keep records of agreements held between themselves and their landlord.
Advice for landlords
Cambridge City Council works with landlords, and other agencies to achieve safe, decent and affordable housing for all private rented sector tenants.
The council can also offer guidance for landlords to help make sure that they are compliant with the regulations and legislation.
