A routine visit by a health visitor to check on the 6-month-old baby living at the address resulted in a referral to Newcastle City Council’s Public Protection and Neighbourhood’s Team.
It was reported that the family, comprising of mother, father, and baby, were living in a garage structure built off the main address. It was reported that there were concerns related to the cramped living conditions along with inadequate heating and issues with damp and mould.
Due to the severity of the conditions described, a formal inspection was organised by the council with the landlord being informed of the intention to inspect the residence. When the inspection was undertaken, it was found to be extremely cramped, with no fixed heating or adequate insulation. There was water leaking in and damp and mould throughout as well as inadequate fire protection. There were no kitchen facilities, a poorly fitted shower and the family appeared to be cooking from a slow cooker on the floor.
The baby had been either sleeping in the bed with its parents or being placed in a makeshift hammock suspended from the ceiling due to the limited space available. The room itself was a poorly converted garage on the side of the main house.
The condition of the property, located in Cowgate, was so severe that the decision was made to serve an Emergency Prohibition Order under The Housing Act 2004, closing the property with immediate effect.
The landlord, who advertised the home for rent on social media, has been charged for the enforcement Notice and was issued with a Civil Penalty of £5,275.
The address has also been flagged with the council and will be monitored regularly to ensure that the landlord does not rent out or reoccupy the property.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Paula Maines, said: “I am absolutely appalled by the disgusting conditions that this young family were living in. They were vulnerable and this landlord took advantage of that. This case really highlights the importance of having housing legislation and regulation that must be adhered to by private landlords in our city.
“As a council, we will do all that we can to act against those who think it is acceptable to put people up in such appalling conditions. It is not acceptable.
“Our Property Licensing Schemes clearly outline what we expect from landlords, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who provide inadequate housing.
“Our Property Licensing Schemes are intended to raise standards in the private rented sector, making landlords more accountable and improving property management. Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure in their home.”
The father, a student at Northumbria University is currently a resident in the UK on a student visa meaning that the family were unable to be allocated temporary accommodation from Newcastle City Council.
Northumbria University were contacted and due to the extremely difficult situation, they agreed to step in and fund a hotel room and food vouchers for the family temporarily. Working with a student welfare officer and social services, the young family have since been rehoused into suitable accommodation.
Vashti Hutton, Director of Student Life and Wellbeing at Northumbria University, said:
“Making sure our students’ health and wellbeing is secure is our number one priority. When we learnt about the shocking living conditions our student and his family were being subjected to, we immediately offered all the support we could.
“This is a strong example of our close partnership with Newcastle City Council, who like us, continually work to protect the interests of our students right across the city.”
For further information around the Property Licensing Schemes that Newcastle City Council operates, visit Property Licensing Schemes in Newcastle | Newcastle City Council.
