A County Durham landlord who failed to produce critical safety certificates and ignored formal warnings has been hit with a hefty £1,500 fine in court.

Tracey Robinson of West Farm, Cold Hesledon in Seaham was handed the fine after an appearance at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on February 21 where she was found to have not produced gas safety certificates.

Ms Robinson pleaded not guilty, but was found to have breached her duties for the home on Sorley Street in Sunderland under the Housing Act 2004 as she was required to own and be able to provide the documents.

The court heard how in June 2022 the City Council received a complaint from Ms Robinson's Sorley Street tenant after a gas leak led to the supply being cut off with no heating or hot water for tenants.

A gas engineer also reported that he would be unable to repair corroded gas pipes until plumbing work was finished and how the gas boiler’s flue was sealed with builder’s foam.

A month later, Ms Robinson was served with a legal notice posted to her home address requiring repairs and for her to produce the property’s gas safety record to the council.

Even though repairs were then completed, the court heard that despite multiple requests the gas safety certificate was not provided to the council.

A legal caution was served in December 2022 and as there was no reply the council then began proceedings against Ms Robinson.

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She was then, on February 21, ordered to pay court costs of £1,236.86, a fine of £180 and a £72 victim surcharge.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Clean Green City, Councillor Claire Rowntree said: “Owning property and being a landlord brings with it important legal and health and safety responsibilities that must be met.

“These are especially important when it comes to gas safety and utility regulations. Failing to meet these responsibilities can have consequences.”