A rogue landlord has been told to pay £25,224 after he ignored Southend Council’s order to stop renting out an unsafe property.

Samuel Nyantakyi, 53, was found guilty at Southend Magistrates’ Court of letting a property in Kilworth Avenue, Southend, in breach of a prohibition order and without the necessary selective licence.

The council’s housing enforcement team had discovered that the property was being occupied despite a prohibition order being in place – preventing anyone from living there due to serious safety concerns. A follow-up investigation confirmed that it was being let without a selective licence.

Council officers also found several significant Category 1 and Category 2 hazards. Despite being fully aware of the prohibition order, Nyantakyi allowed tenants, including a family, to live in the property.

Ordered

Nyantakyi was ordered to pay £14,000 for breaching the prohibition order, £1,760 for failing to obtain a licence, costs of £3,160 and a victim surcharge of £6,304.

Councillor Irene Ferguson, (pictured left) cabinet member for housing and preventing homelessness, says the court recognised the seriousness of the offences, noting the landlord’s clear non-compliance and that he had financially benefited from renting out a property that was unsafe for occupation.

“No one should have to live in unsafe conditions, and we will not hesitate to take strong enforcement action where landlords ignore the law and put tenants at risk,” says Ferguson. “Our teams work tirelessly to identify issues, investigate thoroughly, and take action to ensure homes across Southend are safe, well managed, and fit to live in.

“This case sends a clear message: we will pursue landlords who fail in their legal responsibilities, and we will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our residents.”

Main photo: Google Streetview

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