A letting agent has been fined £8,600 for issuing a six-month fixed-term tenancy agreement in breach of the Renters’ Rights Act.

The Chesterfield agent was handed two fines by the district council for offences committed under the Act, which came to light after its private housing team received a complaint from tenants about housing standards at a rented property shortly after they moved in.

During its investigation, the council discovered that the agent had issued a six-month fixed-term tenancy agreement, despite fixed-term assured tenancies being prevented under the Act. The second penalty came after the council found that when the tenants expressed an intention to complain, they were told to leave the property and were moved into alternative accommodation owned by a different, unknown landlord.

Value

The total value of the penalties issued totalled £8,652 which was reduced to £7,354 as the fines were paid within the specified timeframe.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing (pictured), says it’s committed to making sure renters have the protection they need. “That’s why before the new legislation came into force, our private sector housing team engaged with landlords and letting agents across the borough to make sure they understood the changes and what was expected of them,” she explains.

“This case demonstrates that we will take action where landlords and agents fail to comply with their duties. We also hope it serves as a reminder to letting agents across Chesterfield to ensure they fully understand the recent changes to the law and their responsibilities.”

As well as taking enforcement action against the agent, the council served an improvement notice to ensure the property was brought up to the required letting standard.

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