Rogue Cambridge landlord banned from letting property for 30 months

A rogue landlord has been given a 30-month banning order after a court heard of the poor housing conditions, lack of heating and inadequate fire precautions at a house he let out in Cambridge.

The city council prosecuted Paul Sanderson, of Mowbray Road, for failing to comply with an improvement notice it had served on him in relation to the house in multiple occupation in Perne Road.

He was found guilty of failing to comply with the legal instruction to keep his tenants safe and the banning order was granted at the county court in Cambridge.

It means he cannot let property, engage in letting agency work, or engage in property management work in England for 30 months.

If he breaches the order, he could face imprisonment for up to 51 weeks or a court fine, or both – or a civil financial penalty of up to £30,000.

Sanderson has also been added to the national Rogue Landlord Database to ensure that other local authorities are aware of his conviction to prevent him from operating in other areas of the country.

Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, the city council’s executive councillor for Housing, said: “The majority of landlords in Cambridge provide decent and safe homes for their tenants – however, a minority continue to exploit their tenants and let sub-standard housing.

“This case demonstrates that the council will take action against rogue landlords and we will use all the powers available to stop criminal landlords from operating in Cambridge.”

Any Cambridge resident with concerns about the conditions of a rented home in the city can contact the council’s residential team in environmental services at env.health@cambridge.gov.uk or by calling 01223 457900.

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