Landlord fined for ignoring cleaning notice - 28/07/2010

A Manchester landlord has been fined almost £900 for refusing to clean up rubbish from behind his property.

Mohammed Sharif, of Chorlton, pleaded guilty to not complying with a legal notice requiring him to clear up piles of builders' waste, mattresses and rubbish bags that were dumped at a property he owned in Baguley, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Manchester Magistrates' Court heard how Mr Sharif ignored notices sent by the local council and failed to turn up to interviews to give his side of the story.

The 41-year-old was subsequently fined £250 with £600 costs and a £15 victims of crime surcharge - a total of £865 - which must be paid in three months' time.

Councillor Paul Andrews, executive member for neighbourhood services, told the Manchester Evening News: "This case should serve as a warning that we will not tolerate landlords who allow their properties to fall into such a disgraceful state, with no regard for the city's residents."

He added that the council has the power to demand landlords to clean up gardens and yards that might blight local neighbourhoods.

Posted by Ivan Rancic