A Stroud landlord has been ordered to pay more than £10,000 after a prosecution found that he put his tenants' lives in danger by violating safety regulations.

Stroud District Council’s environmental health officers brought the case against Amonbir Mander who owned the London Hotel in Stroud.

When an officer inspected the property in July last year they found the building fell below acceptable safety standards and there was a serious fire safety risk.

At the time of inspection, the hotel was being used as a 'house in multiple occupation’ and was licensed for 20 tenants.

Mander pleaded guilty to the regulatory offences at Cheltenham Magistrates Court earlier this month on Wednesday, April 3. 

He was fined £4,608 for the offence of being in breach of the safety regulations. 

He was also ordered to pay the investigation costs £1,568, the council’s legal costs £4,112.50 and a victim surcharge of £190. 

The total amount he was ordered to pay was £10,478.50. 

Stroud News and Journal: Stroud District Council say their prosecution is a 'warning' to all landlords in the areaStroud District Council say their prosecution is a 'warning' to all landlords in the area (Image: Stroud District Council)

London Road Hotel is now in the hands of new owners, having been sold Mr Mander prior to appearing in court. 

The new owners are working closely with council officers to improve standards.

Mattie Ross, chair of SDC's housing committee: “This prosecution should serve as a warning to landlords who don’t meet required standards in the Stroud district that we will take legal action to protect the health and safety of private sector tenants.

“All landlords have a duty of care to their tenants. 

“Prosecutions are costly and time consuming, and I am grateful for the diligence of our environmental health officers in this successful case.”

Stroud News and Journal: The property, which at the time was housing 20 tenants, was found to have a 'significant fire safety risk' by SDC The property, which at the time was housing 20 tenants, was found to have a 'significant fire safety risk' by SDC (Image: Stroud District Council)

Lucas Schoemaker, vice chair, said: “I urge all tenants to contact the council if they believe their accommodation is unsafe. 

“There is information for both tenants and landlords on our website.”

A SDC spokesperson said: “Our private sector housing renewal team works with private landlords and tenants to ensure that rented accommodation in the district is of good quality, meeting legal safety standards.

“The council receives a number of complaints from private tenants about the standard of private accommodation every year and will take enforcement action when necessary. 

“Fines of up to £30,000 can be imposed as a civil penalty per offence.

“Landlord prosecutions are rare, with most landlords working with the council to improve standards.”

For more information see - https://www.stroud.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing