The private rented sector property in Grangetown, Cardiff, had been changed into 4 self contained flats which were found to be unsafe and dangerous when inspected by council officers following a tenant complaint.

The tenant had complained about poor conditions in the property and the council inspection found disrepair that included "inadequate structural fire protection to escape from the property, no fire alarm system, unprotected electricity meters, defective fire doors, broken windows, unsafe electrical installations, dirty carpets, unsafe kitchen facilities and evidence of penetrating damp".

Although legal notices were served on the landlord instructing her on the repairs that were required to be carried out, repairs were not carried out within the timescales set by the council and this led to enforcement by way of legal action being commenced against the landlord - who did not attend the court hearing.

The landlord was fined £2000 per offence for 5 housing standards offences and was ordered to pay council costs of £2000 plus a victim surcharge of £190.

Commenting on the case, Cllr. Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said that, whilst HMO properties play an important role in the city's housing stock, "the financial yield from these properties is often higher than renting a family home, but renting HMOs carries additional responsibilities and the required investment in the property to endure it is safe for the tenants who are living there". She added that now that the legal process was over the council will follow up on the case to ensure repairs are carried out and the property is safe for its occupants.

Internal images of the property provided by the council to WalesOnline can be seen here.

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