TWO rogue landlords have been fined more that £1,000 each following a successful prosecution by Carlisle City Council.

Following a series of unannounced visits to rented premises in November, the council prosecuted Sait Colak, 49 and Erkan Colak, 43, both of Fernlea Way, Belah, Carlisle - for offences under the management of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) regulations.

The visits backed by warrants from the magistrates’ court were carried out in coordination with the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria Police and the Immigration, Control and Enforcement Service.

The offences related to poor management and unsafe conditions in the property.

The landlords were fined £1,000 each on May 8 by Carlisle’s magistrates’ court.

In addition to the fine, £150 costs and a £50 victim surcharge were also imposed.

Both Sait Colak and Erkan Colak pleaded guilty by post and neither attended the hearing.

A spokeswoman for the city council said: “The successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of multi-agency working - a key feature of the Rogue Landlord Project funded by the Controlling Migration Fund.

“The project targets unlawful activity in the private rented sector with a focus on the Botchergate area and fast food premises.

“All Houses of Multiple Occupation should be properly managed; ensuring the safety and security of the tenants. We are also now using the powers to issue civil penalties against landlords.”