Council took action against me after tenant started fire?

Council took action against me after tenant started fire?

17:19 PM, 26th September 2022, About 2 years ago 7

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We had a tenant who accidentally set fire to our 4 studio flats causing extensive damage. The council subsequently wanted to interview me under caution for suspected HMO breaches.

Out of our depth, we approached Possession Friend and following a Fixed Penalty, Chris appealed to the tribunal. Two fatal flaws in the council’s case were identified and they withdrew the Fixed Penalty.

With his guidance and advice, we brought a claim against the council for our expenses in defending their flawed legal action.

The Council refused to pay and we took a civil claim against them. This was defended and due to be heard at the County Court.

Shortly before the hearing, the council settled our claim in full.

Penalise the Landlord always seems to be the first thought that springs to mind!

Bob


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Comments

RCJ

10:01 AM, 27th September 2022, About 2 years ago

I would certainly like to know who your lawyers were as we have a similar situation and are likely to need to take action against the council in a civil action!

Mark C

10:09 AM, 27th September 2022, About 2 years ago

Hey Bob
What a nightmare for you.
Do you have a fully licensed HMO? I was wondering what were the suspected breaches were as we have HMO's?
Thanks
Mark

Martin Thomas

10:34 AM, 27th September 2022, About 2 years ago

Well done Bob!!

MICHAEL REGAN

11:56 AM, 27th September 2022, About 2 years ago

Nice one Bob. Especially for holding your nerve.
What you probably found out in this process is that most councils are total bully’s and you turned the tables on them. If someone has a half decent case which identifies the council failing to follow their own procedures the council will almost always settle but only after they have tried to threaten you with spurious charges.

John Grefe

11:59 AM, 27th September 2022, About 2 years ago

Re Bob. Pity you don't name and shame the Council, they would us!

Dr Rosalind Beck

22:36 PM, 27th September 2022, About 2 years ago

This brilliant result wasn't from a group of 'lawyers' - it was from Chris at Possession Friend. What a brilliant result for the landlord - with Chris even making sure they got the compensation they deserved.

Mick Roberts

14:30 PM, 5th October 2022, About 2 years ago

Well done Chris again from Possession Friend. We all need him on our side as if do Possession yourself, the Court will pull it apart after you've waited 7 months. And I think direct with a solicitor can be costly as undoubtedly they too will tell us we done something wrong which needs correcting after we've already started to pay. Chris can correct all these things before it gets costly.

I use Chris for my possessions when I'm selling house when tenant has gave me permission, just to make sure all done correctly.

Excuse my delay, I've been away. Just like to get that one in for u Landlords that aren't living it up when the Govt & Councils are wearing us down.

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