The landlords of a Helston property have been prosecuted over failing to fulfil legal obligations to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their tenants.

The case was one of three brought by Cornwall Council’s Private Sector Housing Team and heard at Bodmin Magistrates Court on Friday last week.

Landlords, James Henry Smyth and Janet Elizabeth Smyth of Rosevear Nursery, Rosevear Hill, Mawgan, Helston, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an Improvement Notice served under Section 11 of the Housing Act 2004.

The couple pleaded guilty and each received an 18 month conditional discharge and were ordered to pay costs of £666 each and a government surcharge of £15 each.

Following a complaint from the tenant and an inspection of the property at 101A Trelowarren Street in Camborne, a category one hazard was identified for excessive cold.

The landlords failed to resolve these issues so an Improvement Notice was served on 23 April 2014, requiring works to be carried out to the property within four months from the date of the notice.

A visit was undertaken on September 2, 2014, where it was discovered that the notice had not been fully complied with.

Joyce Duffin, Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing and environment said: “These cases highlights that there are still some landlords who are not fulfilling their legal obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their tenants. The council will make every effort to advise, educate and work with landlords,but those who plead ignorance or fail in their obligations can rest assured that the council will make every effort to bring them to book.”

We value the contribution that well maintained private rented accommodation makes to the local housing market but will intervene where the property fails to meet the minimum standards required. The Council strives to work informally with landlords but when informal requests fail, the Council will use enforcement action and prosecute if necessary.”