Licensed landlords are being warned that enforcement action will follow if fly-tipping continues in alleyways behind their rented homes.

Sefton Council is also warning that the fines have risen from £400 to £1,000 for offences and hidden cameras are now being used to catch culprits.

The council is acting against landlords with properties in Stanley Road, Bootle.

It has now written to licensed landlords and managing agents to spell out concerns about rubbish being dumped illegally.

A previous warning by Sefton that landlords would be held responsible for tenant fly-tipping was condemned by Ben Beadle, the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association.

He said: “I am incredulous that a landlord is responsible for the tenants’ rubbish – making a further mockery of overreaching licensing regimes.

“Sure, provide appropriate bins and other measures but other than that, we are all responsible for our own behaviour.”

Compliance checks

The council’s cabinet member for cleansing and street scene, Cllr Peter Harvey, said: “This is another example of Sefton Council taking a zero tolerance approach to keeping our streets and alleyways clean.

“We will take strong action against anyone who dumps rubbish or fails to manage waste responsibly including landlords whose tenants are failing to meet their responsibilities.”

He added: “Compliance visits will be carried out to ensure landlords are meeting their obligations.”

Duty to deal with waste

Sefton council says that landlords have a duty to carry out regular property checks and ensure tenants understand how waste must be stored and disposed of.

It also says responsibility does not stop there, as landlords also carry a legal duty of care to keep waste secure and prevent its unauthorised disposal.

The letter makes clear that, like any householder, landlords must use registered waste carriers, ensure rubbish is transported and disposed of lawfully, and keep documentation for up to two years.

Failure to meet those requirements is a criminal offence and can result in unlimited fines if a case reaches court.

Landlords rubbish fines

Where paperwork cannot be produced, a fixed penalty of £300 applies, rising to a fine of up to £5,000 if convicted.

Fly-tipping carries even heavier sanctions with fixed penalties that can reach £1,000.

Landlords being prosecuted in a Magistrates’ Court can receive fines of up to £50,000 or a 12-month prison sentence.

Licensed landlords are also being reminded that when tenancies change, responsibility for removing former tenants’ waste and belongings rests with them.

Plus, new tenants must be fully briefed on waste control requirements and that suitable storage facilities are in place from day one.