First landlord banned from council's renting register

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Legal

An Edinburgh landlord will be breaking the law if he rents out property again - after being refused entry on to the council's landlords' register.

Mark Fortune is the first landlord to be refused such an application by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Council decision makers heard that Mr Fortune had been convicted of offences related to letting properties, including a 2011 £1,000 fine for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

He was also fined £650 in 2011 for threatening tenants.

The Regulatory Committee heard that the landlord's appeal to the Sheriff for his previous refusal of an HMO licence from the council had been rejected in January.

Councillor Gavin Barrie, Convener of the Regulatory Committee, said: “Whilst the significant majority of landlords are of good character and comply with the law there are some, such as Mark Fortune, who act unlawfully.

“Private rented property is an important part of the housing market in Edinburgh and Landlord Registration laws have an important part to play in ensuring tenants and neighbours can live their lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

“This decision sends a clear message to good landlords, tenants and their neighbours that we will take robust action against landlords who act unlawfully.”