Agency fined for 'reckless' endangering of tenants in flats: The case for proactive repairs management

A Warning from Derby: Why Repairs Compliance is Non-Negotiable

A recent case from Derby has made headlines after Steadwall Properties Limited, a local lettings agency, was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay costs for ignoring a Prohibition Order and endangering tenants’ lives. The order, issued after council environmental health officers uncovered major structural and safety hazards above a pharmacy, should have rendered the flats uninhabitable until certified works made them safe. Instead, the agency continued renting the flats for eight months—placing vulnerable tenants directly at risk.

The Legal Backdrop

Prohibition Orders under the Housing Act 2004 are issued only when housing conditions pose serious danger—ranging from risk of collapse to fire hazards and lack of certification for conversions. Any breach is not just a regulatory issue; it sends a message that tenant welfare has been overlooked in favour of short-term gains. In this case, the court made clear that Steadwall Properties “recklessly permitted occupation” despite official warnings, receiving rent while failing to carry out essential repairs.

Why Proactive Property Maintenance Matters Now More Than Ever

This incident underlines the importance of effective repairs management—not as a box-ticking exercise, but as a fundamental duty of care. With councils increasing enforcement and penalties, agencies and landlords must ensure that property conditions are regularly inspected and maintained.

Modern technology is changing the game. Solutions such as Help me Fix allow letting agents and property managers to:

• Identify hazards instantly via AI photo diagnostics
• Resolve minor issues before they escalate, using guided self-service or live video triage
• Automatically generate PDF job reports and audit trails for compliance
• Reduce unnecessary contractor dispatch, ensuring urgent repairs are prioritised

Such platforms protect vulnerable tenants from unsafe homes and help agencies prove due diligence in case of inspection or dispute.

Essential Steps to Maintain Legal and Moral Standards

Letting agents should:

1. Carry out routine checks on all properties, not just at the start of a tenancy.
2. Record all maintenance interactions and document repairs, using platforms that timestamp actions for legal clarity.
3. Escalate any tenant-reported hazards quickly, utilising video triage or remote diagnostics before sending a contractor.
4. Maintain transparent communication with landlords, sending evidence-based reports and updates.

Why Fines Aren’t Always Enough

While Derby City Council’s spokesperson promised to step up enforcement, the goal should be prevention, not penalty. Agencies using advanced repairs management systems are better equipped to spot issues early and maintain safe, compliant properties;

they also benefit from reduced admin and less risk of reputational harm.

The recent case in Derby is a wake-up call for the industry; letting agents must blend compliance with compassion and efficiency. Smart repairs triage not only keeps tenants safe—it also protects agents from severe financial and reputational damage.

Ettan Bazil, Founder & CEO, Help me Fix

Towards Safer, Smarter Lettings

As councils intensify efforts to protect tenants, embracing technology-driven, proactive maintenance will define the reputable letting agency of tomorrow. Staying ahead of compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it is about delivering the highest standard of care for everyone involved.

To learn more about how your agency can streamline repairs and enhance safety for tenants and landlords alike, visit Help me Fix.