Landlord duo to pay huge fine over dangerous properties in Midlands

A landlord couple in Nottinghamshire have been given one of this year’s largest fines for operating unsafe rental properties.

Following a court hearing earlier this year, Baminy Suresh, 40, and Suresh Thanabalsingham, 46, who both live in Cheapside in Worksop have been ordered to pay £171,964 in fines and costs by Mansfield Magistrates Court after failing to carry out urgent repairs following an Improvement Order issued by Bassetlaw council.

The saga started some 18 months ago following complaints about both properties and a subsequent visit by Environmental Health officers.

Fourteen electrical and structural issues at the two properties were identified which needed fixing including the removal of rubbish that could attract rats.

Despite several requests to solve these problems further visits to the properties revealed only partial compliance with the Improvement Order, the council say s.

What many LandlordZONE readers may not realise is that fines for ignoring such ‘orders’ are based on a landlord’s income from their property portfolio.

This husband and wife, who manage a property portfolio estimated to be worth over £1.2 million and a potential to generate revenue of approximately £211,000 a year, were told to submit evidence of their financial means ahead of sentencing.  

Neither did and consequently Thanabalsingham has been ordered to pay a £70,000 fine, a £28,000 victim surcharge and £1,982 in costs. While Baminy Suresh was ordered to pay a £50,000 fine, a £20,000 victim surcharge and costs of £1,982.

Poor housing

Councillor Lynne Schuller (pictured), Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates at Bassetlaw District Council, says: “This prosecution sends a clear message to landlords to keep their properties at the required standards or action can be and will be taken against them to safeguard people.

“The effects of living in poor housing conditions can significantly impact tenants mental and physical health as well as their overall quality of life and life chances.

“Landlords have a responsibility to their tenants to provide homes that are safe and warm to live in, a basic right.”

Both landlords currently have the right to appeal these sentences at Crown Court.