NEW: Serial NW rogue landlord banned from PRS for three years

A serial rogue landlord has become the first in the North West region to be served with a banning order after he failed to improve poor housing conditions in his unlicensed properties.

Wirral Council had previously prosecuted Frank Morrow from New Brighton on two separate occasions for failing to comply with improvement notices concerning poor conditions and failing to obtain selective licences for both his rental properties in Birkenhead Road, Seacombe (pictured).

In September 2021, he was fined more than £7,000 after being found guilty of failing to get the licences as well as failing to carry out safety checks and necessary repairs.

In 2020, Morrow was fined almost £4,000 after admitting six offences including failing to carry out gas and electricity checks, as well as not licensing the two properties.

Rogue database

After he was first prosecuted, Morrow was added to the national Rogue Landlord Database. A First Tier Property Tribunal has now ruled that the landlord cannot let or manage property for three years; if he breaches the banning order, he could face up to 51 weeks in jail and/or an unlimited fine, or a civil financial penalty of up to £30,000.

Councillor Tony Jones (pictured), chair of the economy regeneration & housing committee, says: “The majority of landlords in Wirral provide decent and safe homes for their tenants – however, a minority continue to exploit their tenants and let sub-standard housing.

“This case demonstrates that the council will take firm action against rogue landlords, and we will use all the powers available to stop criminal landlords from operating in Wirral.”

Read more about rogue landlords.