Owner left family living in fear in unlicensed home

A rogue landlord who left a family of eight in damp and dangerous conditions has been ordered by magistrates to pay more than £3,000.

Mark Grant Jackson, of Rhyd-Y-Penau Road, Cyncoed in Cardiff, did not have a selective licence for the Tow Law property in County Durham, which he rented to the couple and their six children between April 2022 and October 2023 through his company Welcome Homes.

Peterlee Magistrates’ Court heard how the tenants repeatedly reported problems but that no work was ever carried out. They paid for many repairs and lived in fear that the roof would come loose or the chimney would collapse during high winds. The damp was so bad it affected the children’s health.

Inspection

Durham County Council’s housing team found a number of hazards during an inspection, including damp and mould, excessive cold, risk of intruders entering, electrical hazards, issues with sewage and drainage, and risks of falls associated with stairs and steps.

Welcome Homes received an improvement notice and, four days before the deadline, contacted the council to say the tenant had received an offer on a new home and the property was being put on the market. The tenant confirmed that no work had been done when they moved in.

Requirement

The council’s selective licensing team contacted Jackson several times to remind him of the legal requirement to obtain a licence. Officers later learned that Welcome Homes had gone into liquidation.

Jackson, 58, failed to appear in court and the case was proven in his absence. Magistrates imposed a fine of £1,760, a victim surcharge of £704 and costs of £674.

Michael Kelleher, head of planning and housing, says the case demonstrates why the selective licensing scheme is so important. He adds: “We hope this case serves as a warning that we will take action against those who fail to fulfil their duties as landlords.”

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