Gas and electricity turned off before tenants unlawfully evicted.
Milton Keynes City Council has successfully prosecuted a rogue landlord who turned off the gas and electricity on tenants before unlawfully evicting them.
The latest case shows how seriously the city council takes cracking down on rogue landlords who exploit tenants and try to bypass housing law.
The landlord forcefully evicted the tenants by turning off the gas and electricity and changing the locks to repossess the property. Despite attempts to resolve the matter, the landlord refused to engage with the tenants. As a result, they were wrongfully evicted and left without access to the property or their belongings.
They contacted the city council who provided accommodation before launching a full investigation leading to court proceedings.
Last week, the court found the landlord guilty of unlawful eviction and ordered them to pay:
- A £3,000 fine
- £449.60 in full costs to Milton Keynes City Council
- £2,150 in compensation to the tenants to cover emergency costs and unrecovered personal belongings
- A victim surcharge of £1,200
“Let this be a clear example that unlawful evictions will not be tolerated in Milton Keynes,” said Cllr Ed Hume, Cabinet Member for Housing.
“Tenants have rights and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect them. I’m proud of the work colleagues did to support the tenants and ensure justice was served.”
The city council works proactively to ensure landlords meet their legal obligations and tenants are protected. Anyone experiencing housing issues or unfair treatment from a landlord is urged to contact its housing team for support: privatesectorhousing@milton-keynes.gov.uk.
