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.’
