A private landlord has been prosecuted and fined after renting out an “uninhabitable” outbuilding.

Despite failing to attend a hearing in St Albans Magistrates’ Court on March 1, Deborah King, of Rucklers Lane, Kings Langley, was found guilty of failing to comply with a prohibition order and fined £4,000.

The outbuilding, in Rucklers Lane, had first come to the Dacorum Borough Council’s attention after a complaint about an illegal eviction in 2021.

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Further investigation revealed that, despite being converted into a self-contained unit and being rented out, it was not up to scratch.

The building did not have planning permission and failed to meet building regulation standards for residential use as it lacked fixed heating as well as adequate insulation and ventilation. There were also a number of other hazards making it unsuitable for habitation.

In May 2022, a prohibition order made under the Housing Act 2004 barred residential use of the outbuilding from the next month.

After the order came into effect, on July 15, a site visit under warrant revealed it was still occupied.

According to the council, “communications with the landlord demonstrated that there would be no compliance in regard to the order”.

Councillor Margaret Griffiths, who is responsible for housing, said: “The council is committed to raising the standards of the private sector in line with our commitments to ensure all residents of the borough have a safe home to reside in.

“This successful prosecution demonstrates the impact if a landlord is found not to be complying with regulatory requirements.”

On top of the £4,000 fine, King was ordered to pay £1,784 in costs and a £190 victim surcharge.

Cllr Griffiths added: “Should a resident or a landlord have any concerns about housing standards or their obligations, I would encourage them to contact the private sector housing team.”

Potential hazards in a privately rented property listed on the Dacorum Borough Council website include damp and mould, excess cold and heat, carbon monoxide and fuel combustion, lack of security against intruders, poor lighting, risk of falling, electrical hazards, and fire risks.