Landlord first to be prosecuted for failure to be licensed with Rent Smart Wales
A Newport landlord has become the first landlord in Wales to be prosecuted for failing to become licensed with Rent Smart Wales.
Robert Ivor Grovell of Tram Lane, Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran was found to be operating a dangerous, unlicensed house in multiple occupation.
Rent Smart Wales requires private landlords to register and managing landlords and agents to become licensed with the scheme.
Since November 23, 2016, landlords and agents who fail to comply with Rent Smart Wales are breaking the law.
Grovell was prosecuted under Section 7(5) of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 at Newport Magistrates court for his non-compliance.
The offence was one of a number brought against him by Newport City Council for housing-related offences at a property on Orchard Street in Newport to which Grovell pleaded guilty.
The city council said an inspection of the property by Environmental Health officers in December 2016 had uncovered serious problems with the design and layout of the property and an escape route blocked with furniture and other items, “both of which could have been fatal to tenants in the event of a fire”.
In addition the property was occupied as a house in multiple occupation but Grovell had failed to apply for the necessary licence.
Rent Smart Wales checks identified that Grovell was registered but not licensed, even though he was carrying out management activities at the property.
Since the inspection, he has completed the required Rent Smart Wales training and submitted his application for a license.
Bethan Jones, Operational Manager of Rent Smart Wales at Cardiff Council, the single licensing authority for the whole of Wales, said: “This case is a real milestone for Rent Smart Wales, being the first prosecution of a non-compliant landlord.
“This prosecution sends a strong message to other non-compliant landlords who continue to flout the law and those who haven’t complied should come forward now to avoid action against them.”
In total, Grovell was fined £4,400 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and victim surcharge of £170.
Cllr Ray Truman, Cabinet Member for Licensing and Regulation at Newport, praised officers for their dedication in bringing such a prosecution to court.
He said: “This was a serious breach of regulations covering a house in multiple occupation where the residents were put at risk because of the landlord’s failure to comply with essential regulations aimed at keeping people safe in their home.
“This court case should also remind landlords of the need to license houses in multiple occupation. Failing to do so could end up with an unlimited fine being imposed by the court.”
The Rent Smart Wales service is hosted by Cardiff Council but is intended to ensure compliance with the legislation in partnership with 22 Welsh local authorities.
The Welsh Ministers designated Cardiff as the licensing authority for the whole of Wales in 2015.
