A landlord who left a family, including a baby and two other kids, without water or adequate heating has been fined £1,000.

Landlord Anthony Wardrop, 79, of The Parade, Hartlepool on behalf of Sedgedene Estates Limited failed to ensure water supply was provided to the rented property in Darlington, leaving them without water or adequate heating over Christmas and New Year in 2021.

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He denied a charge of failing to comply with an Improvement Notice he was handed in January 2022, but was found guilty before Peterlee Magistrates Court on Tuesday (February 28).

The Northern Echo: Peterlee Magistrates CourtPeterlee Magistrates Court

He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £580 in costs and charges for failing to carry out works.

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The court heard that the tenant family, including a baby and two other children, were left without water or adequate heating.

The Improvement Notice also ordered Wardrop to carry out basic duties in the property such as providing gas and electricity safety certificates and ensuring the property was free from damp and mould.

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Magistrates heard he had delayed carrying out works inside the property for several months and only started work after housing officers from Darlington Council started seeking evidence to prosecute him.

Councillor Mike Renton, the council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The owner of this property failed to carry out the basic responsibilities required of him as a landlord, leaving a young family without water or adequate heating which is simply not acceptable.

"This prosecution sends out a very clear message that we will take strong action against any landlord who doesn’t ensure the safety of their tenants.”