A rogue landlord who admitted renting out houses in Stotfold and Arlesey with serious safety hazards has been ordered to pay more than £8,500.

Melvyn Bruce, of Hitchin Road in Stotfold, pleaded guilty to seven offences relating to four properties – two in his home street and two in Arlesey’s House Lane.

And Bedford magistrates ordered him to pay fines, costs and a victim surcharge totalling £8,558.34.

Councillor Carole Hegley, who has responsibility for housing at Central Beds Council, said afterwards: “Cases like these can be notoriously difficult to investigate and bring to court, so I am delighted at this excellent result and that the landlord has been brought to justice.

“Residents who rent privately should be able to do so with confidence that the conditions do not present a hazard to their health and safety.

“That is why we will continue to pursue landlords and managing agents who fail to rectify hazards, as well as those who fail to produce the correct legal documentation.”

Bruce was taken to court following an investigation by Central Beds Council housing solutions officers, prompted by tenants’ complaints.

Council officers found serious hazards in all four homes, and served Bruce with improvement notices in February 2015. Subsequent checks found that he had failed to comply within the required time.

Bruce also failed to comply with notices under section 235 of the Housing Act 2004 which require landlords to provide documents showing a home’s gas and electrical installations are safe.

He pleaded guilty to seven of eight charges brought against him.

If you are worried about poor housing conditions within privately rented accommodation, email housingsolutions@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 8302.