Two city landlords have been successfully prosecuted for failing to provide essential documentation.
The cases were brought by Derby City Council’s Housing Standards Team and heard at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court. Both followed investigations after residents complained about the way properties were being managed.
Sonita Talwar, 79, was prosecuted for failing to provide complete records of tenancy agreements and rental income for a property on Pear Tree Road. Magistrates found Mrs Talwar guilty in her absence. She was fined £440 and ordered to pay £689.88 in costs to the Council, alongside a £176 victim surcharge.
In a separate case, Naeem Akhtar, 54, was prosecuted over a property on Stonehill Road for failing to provide rent records. He was found guilty in his absence having failed to enter a plea and fined £660, costs of £1160.76 and a victim surcharge of £264.
These cases come at a significant moment for the city’s rental market. With new national standards under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 setting higher expectations for housing, the Council is becoming more proactive in using its legal powers to investigate whenever concerns are raised.
Under the Housing Act 2004, the Council has the authority to require documents to verify that properties are being managed according to safety and licensing standards. Refusal to comply is a criminal offence.
Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services said:
Most landlords in Derby do a great job and provide good homes. But when people in the community raise concerns, we have to check that properties are being managed properly.
These successful prosecutions show that we remain committed to taking the necessary steps to address those who fall short of the required standards.
I would encourage anyone with concerns about their rented property or their landlord to report this to our team.
Tenants can contact the Housing Standards team via the Derby City Council website.