Landlord fined for letting flats banned from residential use in Cardiff

Landlord fined for letting flats banned from residential use in Cardiff

A Cardiff landlord was ordered to pay over £3,500 after pleading guilty to multiple offences including letting flats subject to Prohibition Orders, failing to register the properties, and managing them without a licence.

Said Moussef appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court where he admitted to six charges related to his management of flats that were prohibited from residential use. The case arose following a complaint in March 2026, which led to an inspection revealing that the first and second-floor flats were occupied despite active Prohibition Orders. The required remedial works had not been completed, yet the flats had been re-let in late 2025.

Authorities found several hazards at the property, including an inadequate fire alarm system, defective fire doors, damp issues, trip and fall risks, and problematic flat layouts. Additionally, tenants in the first-floor flat lacked control over their heating, which was supplied by a boiler located in the ground-floor flat without tenant access.

Details of offences and penalties

The charges against Moussef included breaches under Sections 4 and 7 of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, specifically for failing to register the rented properties and for managing them without the necessary licence. Rent Smart Wales confirmed that neither the flats nor the landlord were registered or licensed appropriately.

Moussef was fined £1,520 for the Rent Smart Wales offences and £476 for breaching the Prohibition Orders. He was also ordered to pay £750 in council costs and a £763 victim surcharge, bringing the total penalty to £3,509.

A Rent Smart Wales spokesperson emphasised the importance of landlords meeting their legal responsibilities to maintain proper standards and protect tenants. The council has forwarded details of the prosecution to Rent Smart Wales to consider whether Moussef remains fit to hold a licence for managing private rented accommodation in Cardiff.

Implications for landlords and letting agents

This case highlights the critical importance of compliance with property registration, licensing, and safety standards in the private rented sector. Landlords must ensure that any properties subject to Prohibition Orders are not let until all required works are completed and the orders lifted. Failure to comply risks prosecution, financial penalties, and damage to reputation.

Letting agents and landlords should regularly check the status of their properties with Rent Smart Wales or relevant local authorities, ensuring all registrations and licences are up to date. They should also maintain rigorous safety checks, including fire safety systems and adequate heating controls, to meet legal standards and safeguard tenants.

Non-compliance with these obligations can lead to enforcement action, including fines and potential disqualification from managing rental properties. This case serves as a reminder that the regulatory environment in Wales is actively enforced, and landlords must prioritise compliance to avoid similar outcomes.

What landlords should review now

• Verify all properties are registered with Rent Smart Wales and that any required licences to manage are held.
• Check for any Prohibition Orders or other restrictions on properties before letting.
• Ensure all mandatory safety works, particularly fire safety measures, are completed and documented.
• Confirm tenants have appropriate access and control over essential services like heating.
• Keep detailed records of inspections, repairs, and communications related to property compliance.

Keeping your rental properties compliant

Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers access to comprehensive compliance resources that can help landlords and letting agents monitor and manage their portfolios effectively. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, supports organising property records, managing rental documents, and recording key compliance actions such as safety checks and licensing status.

ORBIT’s tools are designed to assist landlords in maintaining evidence of compliance and preparing for regulatory inspections. Accessing TLA member compliance support can provide practical guidance on meeting Rent Smart Wales requirements and avoiding penalties related to unregistered or unlicensed properties. Explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to stay informed and organised as regulations evolve.

Looking ahead, landlords should remain vigilant to ongoing regulatory scrutiny and ensure proactive management of property standards to protect tenants and their investment.

Sources: Landlord Today