A LANDLORD has been ordered to pay £11,000 in fines and costs after letting out a property which had deteriorated into an "appalling" condition.
Jasbir Baryah, of Fishponds Road, Eastville, admitted breaching environmental health regulations as the property fell into disrepair while up to a dozen tenants were living there.
Bristol Magistrates Court heard that when city council environmental health officers attended the property – a former care home at 183 Wells Road, Totterdown – in May last year they found 10 to 12 occupants living there.
Kate Burnham-Davies, prosecuting on behalf of the city council, said the officers found filthy conditions, a lack of lighting, mould, extreme dirt and a vast deterioration of the property, which had an unsafe structure.
She said part of the kitchen was "coated in grease", one of the bathrooms had "dark stains of faeces" and an extension "looked more like a garden shed".
"It was well below standards expected," Ms Burnham-Davies added.
When police officers attended the property, she said, "it seemed to be occupied by a large group of adults of varying ages along with children and a baby".
"Some of the occupants were found to be Bulgarian, said Ms Burnham-Davies. "One of the occupants, a Mr Nikolov, assisted officers in the inspection."
Mr Nikolov told the officers that he collected the rent and delivered it to Baryah or his accountant at his office in Clifton.
Baryah admitted renting the property to Mr Nikolov and told police he visited annually or when something was reported.
He also said he did not know the names of any of the people who were living there.
Ms Burnham-Davies added: "He clearly knew that it was his responsibility to comply with the regulations."
Baryah admitted a series of offences involving breaches of safety, cleanliness, ventilation and lighting regulations, among others.
Defending, Simon Goodman told the court: "This was not an attempt to get away with not spending money.
"Ultimately the place just needed re-doing and now it's been done."
Presiding magistrate Martin Scott told Baryah: "You are an extremely experienced landlord with a substantial property portfolio. But those were serious offences where your tenants were put at risk."
Baryah was fined a total of £5,000 and ordered to pay £6,000 in prosecution costs within six months.
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