Rogue Doncaster landlord given banning order for putting tenants' lives at risk

The Property Tribunal Service banned Almas Rashid, aged 39, of Thorne Road, Wheatley Hills, from letting any housing in England and engaging in English letting agency work or property management work for a period of two years and six months.

The successful Doncaster Council application to ban Mr Rashid followed a string of prosecutions in January this year for breaching regulations, failing to comply with improvement notices and not obtaining a houses in multiple occupation licence.

Mr Rashid pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Housing Act 2004 and was ordered to pay £2,800 in total. He also had to pay costs of £2,579.73 and a £40 victim surcharge.

Councillor Chris McGuinness, cabinet member for communities, the voluntary sector and environment, said: “The granting of this banning order sends out a clear message to all rogue landlords that our housing enforcement team is at the cutting edge of enforcement.

“When tenants are put at risk through the actions or lack of action by a landlord, we will clamp down by using all the enforcement tools at our disposal.”

Coun Glyn Jones, deputy mayor and cabinet member for housing and equalities, added: “We will take tough action against landlords who fail to comply with licensing rules as we are determined to drive up housing standards across the borough and improve health and safety for tenants.

“Good quality, safe housing is important for Doncaster residents and our communities.”

Mr Rashid's ban – which was imposed at a hearing at the end of October – comes into force from February 14 next year.

If he breaches the banning order, penalties can include imprisonment for up to 51 weeks or a court fine – or both – or a civil financial penalty of up to £30,000.

The banning order is reportedly the first in the north of England and only the third achieved by a council since new legislation came into effect in April last year.