Cambridge City Council has acted against two rogue landlords for failure to comply with requirements and regulations designed to protect private renters.

Unlawful Eviction

A Peterborough based landlord was prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £10,126 (including costs) for illegally evicting a tenant from a property in Arbury, Cambridge.

The council received a complaint about an alleged illegal eviction and upon investigation discovered evidence that the tenant had been illegally evicted from a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

The court heard how the landlord had unlawfully deprived the tenant access to the property by changing the locks and removing their belongings whilst they were absent from the property.

Failure to licence

A Cambridge based landlord was issued with a civil penalty totalling £2,597 for running a HMO in King’s Hedges, Cambridge, without the required licence. The landlord, who owns several HMOs throughout the city, had been running the property without a licence since legally needing to obtain one for it in 2018.

Under the Housing Act 2004, certain types of rented HMOs must be licensed to ensure they meet safety, suitability and management standards. Compliance with these requirements help to protect tenants and maintain housing standards.

Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “No one should have to live in fear that they might be forced out of their home. We are committed to ensuring all landlords adhere to legal requirements. These requirements are in place to protect residents from poor rental housing management practices.

“I’d like to encourage anyone that has any concerns about the condition or management of their private rented accommodation to get in touch with the council so that they can access the right support.

“We also offer support for landlords to make sure that they have all the tools they need to rent out their properties in accordance with the law and in a way that ensures tenants' health, safety and well-being.”

Advice for residents living in private rented accommodation

You can raise concerns or make a complaint about private rented accommodation in the city to the council. This could be about the safety, suitability or management of the property and includes properties that might not be licensed when they should be.

Your landlord must also keep your accommodation in good repair. This includes facilities such as plumbing, heating and water systems, and the building exterior. The council can help you enforce your right to repairs and have legal powers to deal with complaints – for example, falling plaster, defective wiring, or damp.

If you believe you are being unlawfully evicted, the council can also help you.

Advice for landlords

The council works with landlords, and other agencies to achieve safe, decent and affordable housing for all private rented sector tenants.

The council can also offer guidance for landlords to help make sure that they are compliant with the regulations and legislation.

For additional support, advice and guidance for both landlords and private renters email residential.eh@cambridge.gov.uk or call 01223 458050.