Private landlords who failed to provide adequate heating for their tenants and then evicted them have been fined more than £7,000.

John and Deborah-Anne Solomi, both of Magnolia Drive, Banstead, were each fined £3,742 at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on April 4.

Officers from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council found that the pair had ignored their warnings about providing adequate heating before evicting their tenant.

“The risks to health at the flat were significant,” explained Councillor James Durrant, executive member for enforcement.

“The heating needed to be replaced to bring the flat up to an acceptable standard but Mr and Mrs Solomi did not do this, despite us issuing a notice requiring that they carry out the work. Instead Mr and Mrs Solomi evicted their tenant.”

He added: “We are keen to support the borough’s business community but we also have a responsibility to take action against businesses who flout the rules.

“We will take robust action against landlords who do not carry out their responsibilities to provide safe and healthy accommodation for their tenants.”

Mr and Mrs Solomi did not appear in court for the proceedings.

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