Torbay Council is warning landlords that they must comply with the law and work with the council to improve housing standards.

The warning comes after a court case against a Torquay woman who was ordered by magistrates to pay a total of £1,715 in fines and costs.

At Torquay Magistrates' Court, Angela Claydon, of Barton Road, Torquay, was found guilty of two offences of permitting occupation of 3 Keysfield Road, Paignton, in contravention of a prohibition order, and one offence of occupying the property in contravention of a prohibition order. She had pleaded not guilty.

The case, which was heard by magistrates on December 4 and 5, was brought by Torbay Council’s housing standards team.

Evidence was gained during inspections undertaken jointly by officers of Torbay Council and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

Cllr David Thomas, executive lead for spatial planning, housing, waste and energy, said: "This successful prosecution demonstrates that Torbay Council will not tolerate landlords who provide sub-standard accommodation which puts their tenants' health and wellbeing at risk and causes problems in the local and wider community.

"Landlords must ensure that their properties comply with the relevant legislation and co-operate with Torbay Council officers to ensure that housing standards are improved." Working with partner agencies, Torbay Council has embarked on a project aimed at targeted enforcement across the rented housing sector in Torbay to improve standards of accommodation.

The project follows concerns raised over issues surrounding bad landlords and associated anti-social behaviour.