Rotherham Council has successfully prosecuted a landlord after serious hazards were identified at a privately rented property in the borough.
The landlord, Zaffar Hussain of Tinsley Drive, Sheffield, was responsible for a privately rented property on Foljambe Drive, Rotherham. An inspection by the Council identified a number of hazards, including exposed electrical wiring, the absence of smoke alarms, fire safety concerns, poor property security, excess cold, defective windows and evidence of rodent infestation.
The Council served a legal notice requiring the landlord to carry out remedial works to address the risks identified. Despite the notice being issued, the required works were not completed. Some repairs were attempted but were unfinished and did not resolve the hazards present.
As a result, the Council took legal action. Mr Hussain was subsequently convicted and ordered to pay a £4,000 fine, a £1,600 victim surcharge, £500 in compensation, and £564.30 in prosecution costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £6,664.30.
Cllr Linda Beresford, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: “Everyone deserves to live in a home that is safe, warm and free from hazards. This case shows what can happen when landlords repeatedly ignore their legal responsibilities and fail to act, even after being formally required to do so.
“The vast majority of landlords in Rotherham do the right thing, and we will continue to support those who manage their properties responsibly. However, we will not hesitate to take firm enforcement action where landlords put tenants’ health and safety at risk.”
Rotherham Council reminds landlords that compliance with housing standards, legal notices and licensing requirements is mandatory. The Council takes tenants’ living conditions seriously and will continue to prosecute or issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 per offence where serious breaches are identified.
The Council also reminds landlords that the Selective Licensing scheme for 2026 to 2031, which came into force on 15 February this year, requires landlords with properties in designated areas to hold a valid licence. A 90‑day grace period is currently in place, ending on Saturday 16 May.
Landlords who have not yet applied are strongly urged to submit a fully completed application before the deadline. Failure to apply by this date may result in additional charges or enforcement action.
Landlords can check whether their property falls within a licensing area and apply online here: www.rotherham.gov.uk/landlord-licensing
