Liverpool City Council have warned private landlords that they risk punishment if they allow the city’s houses to fall into disrepair.
The warning comes after a Sunderland man was forced to pay almost £1,000 for allowing an unoccupied address in Norris Green to become a ‘home for vermin’.
Jason Bernard Living received a £750 fine in addition to costs of £150 after being found guilty of failing to remove rubbish at his property in Cottesbrook Close.
Council bosses served a notice on Mr Living in the wake of an inspection of the North Liverpool house last June following complaints about rodents.
Further warning letters were ignored by the Sunderland resident after the notice had expired, which saw the council forced to carry the work out in default.
Councillor Frank Hont, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is another example of where the council has had to intervene to deal with environmental blight associated with empty properties.
“The council is determined to tackle empty homes in the city and ensure that property owners face up to their responsibilities.”