Warwickshire County Council chairman resigns over illegally let properties

Councillor Edward Harris has resigned his position as chairman after being labelled a “rogue landlord” for repeatedly ignoring warnings that living conditions at his rental properties were unsafe.

The two six-bedroom properties in Stonydelph, Tamworth were found to have “failed to meet even the most basic of living standards and legal requirements” by Tamworth Borough Council. The properties were discovered to have no central heating or hot water, no smoke detection systems, and insufficient cooking facilities.

According to Tamworth Borough Council, Harris had consistently failed to take action on warnings and advice from the council to address the problems.

Harris was also found to be operating both properties illegally as houses in multiple occupation without the proper license. The council has issued emergency prohibition notices to both properties.

According to the BBC, Harris had told neighbours that he felt unwelcome in the area and that he felt he had been left with no choice but to sell the properties to a firm planning to use them to house asylum seekers. Harris had previously resisted the “generous” offer as he objected to the housing of asylum seekers in residential homes.

We take poor property standards very seriously and will use the full range of enforcement powers available to us to protect tenants

– Councillor Ben Clarke

Harris has also resigned from Reform UK, and now sits as an independent councillor.

As a result of the incident, Tamworth Borough Council has reaffirmed their commitment to raising living standards in the private housing sector, especially in upholding the regulations for tenants laid out in the new Renter’s Rights Act.

Councillor Ben Clarke said: “This case should send a clear message that we take poor property standards very seriously and will use the full range of enforcement powers available to us to protect tenants.”

Further enforcement action in relation to these two properties is being considered by the council, though it is unclear what form that will take.

Tamworth Borough Council has also offered support and advice in finding alternative accommodation to all residents affected by the prohibition.