Landlord fined after woman, 80, left in squalor

UNWELCOME lodger . . . pigeons were living in the 80-year-old’s home

A LANDLORD has been prosecuted after an 80-year-old woman was found to be living in a pigeon-infested wreck of a house in Oldham.

The Watersheddings pensioner turned to Oldham Council’s environmental health team for help after Burnley’s Aspire Homelettings Ltd refused to carry out repairs.

As well as the pigeons, the kitchen was dilapidated, there were broken windows upstairs and the house was damp.

The council served the owner with a notice requiring improvements within 56 days, which wasn’t acted on. The council started legal proceedings and the firm found guilty in its absence. The court fined the company the maximum £5,000, plus £1,100 costs.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said: “It is shocking that a landlord would allow a tenant to live in such a poorly-maintained home.

“The council gave plenty of opportunities to put the faults right but it failed to do so. We will take action against those who think they can get away with letting out sub-standard properties.”



IF you think the property you are renting is unsafe to live in call 0161-770 2244 or email housing.implementation@oldham.gov.uk.