'Rogue' landlord's house closed

A Kent council has used new powers to shut down a house owned by a "rogue landlord" after complaints about the tenants' anti-social behaviour.

Thanet council officers who visited the house, in Sweyn Road, Cliftonville, found it was a health and safety risk.

It had no hot water, no secure doors, no banisters on the stairs, smashed fire doors and a broken fire alarm.

The tenants were rehoused and will not be allowed to return until remedial work has been carried out.

"Appalling conditions"

"We are working hard to regenerate Thanet and we will not let rogue landlords drag the area down," said Councillor Ingrid Spencer.

"We are not prepared to tolerate such appalling conditions in any property."

The council believes it is one of the first local authorities to impose an emergency prohibition order under the Housing Act 2004, which came into force earlier this year.

It the property is to be used again as a house in multiple occupation it will require a licence under the new Act.

"Landlords have to provide good quality accommodation that doesn't put their tenants in danger," said Ms Spencer.

The owner of the house is said to be considering improving it, converting it into flats or selling.