16 October 2007
A local landlord has been fined for unlawfully evicting his tenant from a house in Guildford. The landlord was found guilty following a prosecution by Guildford Borough Council.
Earlier this year, Guildford landlord Preya Kamal Bhal, unlawfully evicted his tenant from a house in Sycamore Road. Mr Bhal, who has been a landlord for over 15 years and owns a number of properties in Guildford, was fined £3,000. In addition, he had to pay the tenant £500 in compensation and pay the council £2,000 to cover legal costs.
The council's Private Sector Services Manager, Ted Wainhouse, comments: "Although cases like this are relatively rare, we have seen a rise in the number of reported incidents of harassment and threatened unlawful evictions in recent years. Although it is the council's responsibility as the prosecuting authority, prosecution is the last resort and the majority of cases are resolved through negotiation with the landlord and tenant.
It's important to point out that the majority of landlords play a vital role in providing affordable accommodation in the borough and work to high professional standards. Over the past ten years we have developed good working relationships with many landlords through our Private Landlords Forum. This group meets regularly and provides an opportunity for landlords to share experiences and find out about legal responsibilities and changes in the law, adds Ted Wainhouse."
An unlawful eviction is when a landlord or agent attempts to force a tenant from their home without taking the necessary legal action. Evicting tenants without a court order or harassing them is a serious criminal offence, and landlords should always get appropriate legal advice and follow the correct procedures for bringing tenancies to an end.
Tenants and landlords should contact the council if they need advice. Further information and advice is available from the council's Private Sector Housing Team.
Private Sector Housing Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444302
Email: privatesectorhousing@guildford.gov.uk