Ellie Ames 11 October 2023

Agency found guilty of harassing tenants

Agency found guilty of harassing tenants  image
Image: Busra Ispir / Shutterstock.com.

In a prosecution by Brighton and Hove City Council, a lettings agency has been found guilty of harassing tenants and fined £60,000.

SB Lets pleaded guilty to three offences under The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 after it was found that the company launched vexatious court proceedings against tenants and threatened them via emails and phone calls.

Representing the company, its director Shadi Baja appeared at Lewes Crown Court for a sentencing hearing on 9 October.

Following the guilty pleas, fines were reduced to £20,000 for each offence, with each of the three victims to receive £8,000 from the fines in compensation.

Chair of Brighton’s housing and new homes committee, Gill Williams, said: ‘The council led this prosecution as part of our role supporting any tenants treated unfairly.

‘We are determined to take action to protect our residents from such abhorrent harassment.

‘There are many decent private sector landlords in the city, but we often hear from residents about their poor experiences and know the quality of management and maintenance is inconsistent.

‘We’re happy that the sentencing reflects the severity of the case.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner