Bristol landlord, Michael McDonagh has been fined for harassing tenants.
He has pleaded guilty to harassment towards tenants of a property he owned and was accused of implementing notable building works at the property, being aggressive towards tenants and he also threatened to have them evicted and remove their property from the premises.
Mr McDonagh has been fined £200 and he was also required to pay £1,000 to the tenants as compensation, as well as paying £600 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.
Councillor Paul Smith, cabinet member for housing, said: “Everyone has a right to a safe and secure home.
“Here in Bristol we are stepping up our enforcement action on rogue landlords and have set up the Rogue Landlord Unit to offer extra protection and support for tenants.
“This new unit takes a complete and well rounded approach to tackling unlawful practices by landlords as well as traders.
“Enforcement action against illegal eviction and harassment by landlords is a priority for the unit in order to protect vulnerable tenants, so we are very pleased with today’s result.”
New housing development being built on greenfield land in South Gloucestershire
The tenants are two brothers who moved into the property in December 2016 and shortly after their move in date they were told some works were going to be carried out at the property.
They were under the impression that the works were going to be short term, but it soon became apparent that the works were going to become long term.
The tenants followed through with a complaint to Mr McDonagh and recorded some of the conversations, as well as removing their belongings from the property.
When leaving the apartment the tenants requested the return of their £1,000 deposit which they were not given.
