A PRIVATE landlord has been fined £40,000 for failing to keep two large rented houses in Knowle and Windmill Hill in good repair.

Michelle Simmonite pleaded guilty to 17 offences relating to the state of the properties when she appeared before Bristol magistrates yesterday.

The most serious offences were found at 100 Redcatch Road, Knowle.

Two environmental health officers from the city council and fire prevention officers from Avon Fire and Rescue service jointly inspected the house after a complaint from tenants.

It was so bad the officers considered moving the tenants out immediately.

The defects found included parcel tape being placed over controls on the fire alarm panel to prevent it sounding continuously, unsafe storage of flammable materials, a blocked means of escape from the building, including one door which was padlocked, and fire doors in poor condition.

Three rooms were damp, windows were in poor repair and some electrical fittings were missing.

The property was a licensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and the landlord had failed to comply with the licence conditions.

The defects at 20 Knowle Road, Windmill Hill, included failure to maintain means of escape from fire, extensive dampness to a basement bathroom, exposed wires at an electric socket, smashed glass in two doors, a sink draining board which had partially collapsed, and a dangerous and partially complete staircase leading to the rear garden.

Councillor Anthony Negus, cabinet member for strategic housing and regeneration, said: "This prosecution sends out a very strong message to landlords in Bristol.

"Anyone who lets accommodation has a duty to safeguard the wellbeing of their tenants and to ensure the property is fit for purpose.

"The council can provide a range of help and information, but it can and will take action where we find that landlords are failing their responsibilities to the detriment of the well-being of their tenants.

"The council takes this statutory duty very seriously indeed."

Ms Simmonite, who uses the name Misha, told the court that she had suffered ill health and could not afford the repairs.

The magistrates told her that the repair, safety and maintenance of the houses fell far short of what would normally be expected and there could have been "disastrous consequences" for the tenants.

As well as the fine she was also ordered to pay council costs of £7,739.

The council intends to revoke the HMO licence for both properties and will be considering taking over the management of the houses if a suitable licence holder does not come forward.