Torbay landlords are once again being reminded that they must comply with the law or risk prosecution.

The warning comes after a court case against a Torquay woman who was ordered by magistrates to pay a total of £5,215 in fines and costs.

At Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court, Angela Claydon, of Pendennis Road, Torquay, was found guilty of the offence of permitting occupation of 3 Keysfield Road, Paignton, in contravention of a Prohibition Order.

The case, which was heard by magistrates on 22 September 2017, was brought by Torbay Council’s Housing Standards and Legal Services teams.

The court heard that the local community and Police Officers had witnessed persons on site and that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service had entered the property on 13 November 2016 to rescue an occupant during a fire. A dog did not survive the fire.

Executive Lead for Planning, Transport and Housing, Councillor Mark King, said: “The majority of Torbay's landlords provide a good level of accommodation for their tenants, however there is a minority who choose to ignore the law. This successful prosecution demonstrates that Torbay Council will not tolerate landlords who provide sub-standard accommodation which puts their tenants' health and well being at risk and causes problems in the local and wider community.

“This action follows our recent announcement that we will be utilising new powers given by the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to issue Civil Penalties where appropriate. Torbay Council will continue to work with its partners to ensure that Torbay's residents are safe in their own homes and the multi-agency enforcement team will continue to target Rogue Landlords and will utilise any powers at their disposal".

Anyone with a concern about the condition of their private rented property, whether you are a landlord or tenant, please Torbay Council for advice on 01803 208025 or visit www.torbay.gov.uk/housingstandards. You can also follow the team on Twitter - @TorbayNHT.