Carmarthenshire County Council has warned it will take robust action against landlords who illegally evict tenants.
The warning from the council’s housing department comes after a recent prosecution involving an eviction in the Llanelli area.
In December, landlord Kevin Mansel Rees pleaded guilty to the illegal eviction of his tenant Lee McDonagh from a flat above Furnace Post Office. He was fined £360 with £36 victim surcharge and £600 costs, and left with a criminal record.
Carmarthenshire County Council, prosecuting, had several witnesses who were prepared to testify before the landlord’s guilty plea.
Robin Staines, Head of Public Protection and Housing, said: “We work very closely with landlords to ensure they are well aware of the law, and the standards that we expect of them. But when these standards are not met, we will use all powers available to us to ensure their tenants are safeguarded.
“This recent prosecution sends out a strong message that we do enforce the law, and hopefully it will encourage landlords to think twice before committing acts of this kind.”
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