Council took action against me after tenant started fire?
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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Can an AST be signed retrospectively?
Member Since September 2021 - Comments: 9
10:01 AM, 27th September 2022, About 4 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!
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 47
10:09 AM, 27th September 2022, About 4 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
Member Since August 2018 - Comments: 158
10:34 AM, 27th September 2022, About 4 years ago
Well done Bob!!
Member Since September 2021 - Comments: 9
11:56 AM, 27th September 2022, About 4 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.
Member Since May 2022 - Comments: 108
11:59 AM, 27th September 2022, About 4 years ago
Re Bob. Pity you don’t name and shame the Council, they would us!
Member Since September 2016 - Comments: 2533 - Articles: 73
10:36 PM, 27th September 2022, About 4 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.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3249 - Articles: 81
2:30 PM, 5th October 2022, About 4 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.