An Edinburgh landlord has lost possession of his two properties in a case that has been described by a Scottish newspaper as a ‘first of its kind’. Following a recent court case, the local authority is now in charge of the properties and will act as temporary landlord for the next twelve months.
Anti-social Behaviour and Rowdy Tenants
The so-called ‘party flats’ in Grove Street, Edinburgh, have been the subject of numerous complaints about anti-social behaviour and noise for months. The landlord had been renting them out to stag and hen parties and was charging £800 per flat for revellers to stay there for two nights. Unfortunately the flats are located in a quiet residential area and local people were not amused at being woken up every night by the sound of shrieks and rowdy behaviour.
Council Enforcement Notices Ignored
Despite being slapped with several enforcement notices, the landlord failed to see the error of his ways. He was eventually caught out when council officials posed as stag and hen organisers. Once they had enough evidence, he was taken to court and the council’s application for a management control order was approved. It hasn’t been decided exactly what responsibilities the council will have over the two properties, but they have assured local residents that stag and hen parties will no longer be welcome. Existing bookings may still be honoured, but this won’t include large groups.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Council was quoted as saying: “I hope this court ruling sends out a clear message to landlords.”
