A landlady who harassed tenants through invading their privacy and sending a series of hounding emails has been ordered to pay £3,380.
During a tribunal, Lucy Sherry was found guilty of breaching the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
The hearing was told she served tenants with an invalid notice to leave the property in an attempt to evict them, invaded their privacy, arranged viewings without notice and sent a series of harassing emails.
Sherry was ordered to pay £3,080 to the tenants and £300 costs by the First Tier Tribunal (FFT) following a hearing on June 9.
Meanwhile, Bristol landlord Charles Banda was forced to hand £1,569 back to the council for housing benefit payments he received.
In November, 2018, the authority discovered one of his properties had leaking sewage pipes and taps in a home occupied by a 69-year-old.
The council completed the works in default after Banda failed to fix the issues.
Bristol City Council cabinet member for housing Paul Smith said: “This repayment order shows how important it is for tenants to come forward and assert their rights. The council is dedicated to assisting tenants where help is needed.
“If you are a private tenant being harassed in your home or if you have been illegally evicted, then you may be able to claim your rent back and we urge more tenants to come forward.”
To report a rogue landlord or agent, click here.
Find out more about Rent Repayment Orders here.
