A LANLORD has been prosecuted after failing to repair a leaking roof over a ten-month period, leading to a partial ceiling collapse.
Adam Michael Penpraze admitted failing to comply with an official notice to carry out repairs at the property in Melvill Road, Falmouth, at Bodmin Magistrates' Court on Friday.
After the Cornwall Council prosecution, Penpraze, of Gorran Gorras, Penryn, was fined £700 with additional costs making a total of £2,328.24.
The roof was storm-damaged in early 2014. After suffering some water damage in February, one of the tenants complained to Cornwall Council.
Ryan Goldsworthy, technical officer for private sector housing at the council, said: "An inspection of the accommodation was carried out in March and the landlord was provided with an opportunity to informally address the works within a two-month timescale."
On May 23 it was found that no work had been carried out and so an Improvement Notice under the Housing Act 2004 was served on Mr Penpraze.
"It stipulated works to be carried out on the property in regards to the property's roof within two months," said Mr Goldsworthy. But a compliance inspection at the end of those two months found no further work had been carried out.
"Although scaffolding did go up a short time after this compliance inspection, and a temporary covering was installed, works were not completed in their entirety and are still outstanding," added Mr Goldsworthy.
The court heard that, in December, works had still not been satisfactorily completed, with water again entering the property and a section of the ceiling collapsing.
The property consists of a number of flats. Other sections of the building's roof are also in need of repair.
Stuart Kenney, from the council's private sector housing team, said: "All landlords must ensure that their properties meet minimum safety standards.
"Any landlord who is unsure of their obligations is encouraged to contact us.
"We have revised our enforcement policy to provide for a more targeted and direct approach to dealing with serious hazards identified in privately rented accommodation in Cornwall. "
Councillor Joyce Duffin, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for housing and environment, said: "This case highlights that there are still some landlords who are not fulfilling their legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their tenants.
"The council will make every effort to advise, educate and work with landlords but those who plead ignorance or fail in their obligations can rest assured that the council will make every effort to bring them to book."
The tenant was not available for comment.
