Two Worksop landlords who put the safety of their tenants in danger after failing to carry out urgent repairs at two of their properties have been ordered to pay a total of £171,964 in fines and costs by Mansfield Magistrates Court.
During a hearing on 23rd January 2025, Baminy Suresh, 40, and Suresh Thanabalsingham,46, both from Cheapside in Worksop, were found guilty of failing to comply with improvement notices at their properties that identified 14 hazards that could be harmful to the safety of their tenants. In addition, Thanabalsingham was also found guilty of failing to remove waste which could attract vermin.
The husband and wife, who manage a property portfolio worth over £1.2 million that has the potential to generate revenue of approx. £211k per year, were requested to submit evidence of their financial means ahead of sentencing on 24th July 2025.
Neither landlord provided this evidence and Thanabalsingham was ordered to pay a £70k fine, a £28k victim surcharge and £1,982 in costs. While Baminy Suresh was ordered to pay a £50k fine, a £20k victim surcharge and costs of £1,982.
RIGHT TO APPEAL
Both landlords currently have the right to appeal these sentences at Crown Court.
Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates at Bassetlaw District Council, says: “This prosecution sends a clear message to landlords to keep their properties at the required standards or action can be and will be taken against them to safeguard people.
“The effects of living in poor housing conditions can significantly impact tenants mental and physical health as well as their overall quality of life and life chances.
“Landlords have a responsibility to their tenants to provide homes that are safe and warm to live in, a basic right.”
POOR LIVING CONDITIONS
In 2023 Bassetlaw District Council received complaints about poor living conditions at two properties that were endangering the health and wellbeing of the people living there. When Environmental Health Officers visited in November 2023, they identified 14 hazards that involved fire, electrical, and structural issues, as well as a large amount of household waste.
A reinspection in January 2024 found that no work had been completed, and the pair were served with an improvement notice under the Housing Act 2004, requiring them to complete the work no later than 27th March 2024.
EXPOSED PIPEWORK
A further visit to one of the properties in April 2024 revealed that only a new central heating system had been installed to one of the properties, which had created a new hazard of potential burns caused by exposed pipework.
A check on the second property in July 2024 revealed the notice had only been partially complied with, and waste had not been removed.
Environmental Health Officers from Bassetlaw District Council will make further visits to the properties to ensure that any outstanding requirements as part of the improvement notices are completed.
