Rogue landlord fined £22k loses appeal to overturn her ban

A Bristol landlord who was banned from letting properties after repeatedly failing to meet the required standards, has lost an appeal to over-turn her ban.

Naomi Knapp owned 29 properties across the city which she let out.

She was prosecuted for, and pleaded guilty to eight banning order offences after her management of multiple properties was flagged to Bristol City Council’s Private Housing team.

These included fire safety issues as well as poor conditions witnessed in the communal areas of the properties.

Knapp was fined £22,000 for those offences in April 2021, and was given a five-year ban. The ban includes letting housing, engaging in letting agency work, and engaging in property management work.

The tribunal said Knapp had failed to follow up on her proposals to improve things, demonstrating her unwillingness to change matters for the better, and her acceptance of the risk that her management of the properties might be below the required standard.

Knapp later appealed the ban but lost on all grounds.

The landmark appeal is the first time an upper tribunal in the UK has heard an appeal against a banning order under the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

The legislation aims to remove rogue landlords from the private renting sector, and to prevent them from exploiting tenants in the future.

Councillor Tom Renhard, cabinet member for housing delivery and homes, called the case “the first of its kind” for the UK.

“This is an important case for Bristol City Council, and the first of its kind in the country,” he said.

“Having a safe and secure roof over our heads is key to ensuring we all have the best possible opportunity to live a happy and healthy life but, unfortunately, many renters still live in fear of spiralling costs, poor quality housing, and unfair evictions.

“We are working hard to make sure that people living in private rented accommodation have adequate protections and decent living standards.

“We will take action to crack down on criminal landlords who do not meet the legal requirements for a safe and secure living environment.”

Knapp’s case is the third Banning Order the council’s Rogue Landlord team has applied for and been granted.

Main photo: Bristol City Council

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