Peterborough City Council has successfully prosecuted a couple
who illegally evicted a tenant from a flat in Peterborough.
Parveen Akhtar and her husband, Mohammed Zahid were found guilty
at Huntingdon Crown Court.
The jury heard how the tenant had lost his job and had been
unable to pay the rent on the property above Mr Zahid’s business,
My Store in Mayor’s Walk.
The tenant had requested financial help from Peterborough City Council -
but Mrs Akhtar had refused to sign the necessary forms.
The court was told Mohammed Zahid changed the locks to prevent
the tenant from getting inside the property he had rented for
several months.
When the tenant found he could not get inside the flat when he
returned home on Tuesday, 25 May 2010, he complained to the city
council.
The city council brought legal proceedings against Mrs Akhtar
and her husband and they were convicted by the jury of illegal
eviction.
Jo Fowkes, Tenancy Relations Officer at Peterborough City
Council, said: "We urged the landlady, Mrs Akhtar, to allow the
tenant back into the property but the request was refused which
resulted in the tenant being homeless. Mrs Akhtar failed to follow
the due legal process which allows landlords to evict tenants
legally."
Councillor
Peter Hiller, the City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing,
Neighbourhoods and Planning, said: "We have a statutory duty to
take action against landlords who illegally evict their tenants.
There is a legal process all owners and agents are obliged to
follow should they want to recover possession of a property from
their tenants.
"Owners, letting agents and rent collectors
should be familiar with the process and should obtain legal advice
before considering evicting someone. This case should serve as a
warning to landlords in Peterborough that they have a legal
obligation to follow when recovering possession of a property from
their tenants."
Owners and agents who manage privately rented
properties should call the city council's housing enforcement team
on (01733) 747474 for information about current legislation and the
responsibilities of landlords and agents. Tenants who believe they
are being treated unlawfully can also contact the team on the same
telephone number.
Both defendants have been bailed ahead of
sentencing which will take place at a later date.
Ends.
Media contact: Pep Cipriano, SaferPeterborough
Communications Manager- telephone 01733 452551 or email pep.cipriano@peterborough.gov.uk