Landlords given prison sentences over illegal eviction

A supported housing company which illegally evicted a vulnerable tenant after claiming it would help them has been prosecuted by a council.

Phoenix Supported Housing CIC, based in Wolverhampton, former director Kimberley Bethell and existing director Davinder Singh Chall said they would help the tenant with their financial, physical and mental health.

But the city council alleges they failed to provide the promised support, provided misleading information and their actions meant the tenant fell into debt before being illegally evicted.

Former managing director Bethell and director of housing Chall, both pleaded guilty to one charge each under The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and one each under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The same charges were also brought against Phoenix Supported Housing CIC and guilty pleas were also given.

Bethell and Chall were each sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Tuesday (14 January).

Bethell was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and Chall was ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation days. They were also ordered to pay the tenant £1,500 each within 12 months… Landlord Today