Liverpool City Council has prosecuted two companies for their failure to clear waste at privately rented properties.
Liverpool City Council has prosecuted two companies for their failure to clear waste at privately rented properties.
South Road Properties Ltd and Quirefast Limited were both taken to court for their failure to comply with notices served under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.
The house on Rice Line in L9, owned by South Road Properties Ltd, was visited by a Council officer in November 2022 following complaints of poor conditions attracting vermin.
They found accumulations of waste including an old mattress, discarded bin bags and other items that were deemed capable of attracting pests, particularly rats. A notice was served requiring the owners to clear the waste, which was ignored.
The issues at the property owned by Quirefast Limited on Lowell Street in L4 were discovered whilst a Council officer was in the area in January 2023.
Outside were soft furnishings and other household items, and a notice was served ordering the owners to clear the waste, which was also not adhered to
Both companies did not attend Liverpool Magistrates Court on Thursday 6 July, and were found guilty in their absence.
They were each fined £800, and have to pay additional costs of £719, and a £320 victim surcharge.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
“Parts of Liverpool are blighted by landlords who treat the outside of their properties as a dumping ground.
“It makes the area look unkempt and uncared for, as well as attracting vermin, and also encourages others to do the same – creating misery for residents who take pride in their area.
“We are committed to doing what we can to hold landlords to account and hit them where it hurts – in the pocket, and I am pleased that we have secured these convictions as a deterrent to others.
“Taking action against rogue landlords who do not treat our neighbourhoods with respect is an absolute priority for our new Cabinet because we know how
much of an issue it causes for our communities.”