Landlord Facing Legal Action

A buy-to-let tycoon who banned Indian and Pakistani tenants from renting his homes "because of the curry smell" is facing legal action. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has applied for an injunction against Fergus Wilson. In his latest letting criteria, the Kent landlord has also banned zero-hour workers, single parents and "battered wives". Mr Wilson has defended his lettings policy on economic grounds. EHRC chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath said it had applied for an injunction at Central London County Court. Read more on the BBC.

ALMO Gets Tough on Untidy Gardens

An ALMO in the east Midlands has taken a tough stance against tenants who do not keep their gardens tidy – and has already issued eight injunctions in its mission.  Nottingham City Homes sent 277 letters to its tenants during the financial year of 2012-13 telling them to clear up overgrown gardens.  For eight tenants who ignored the letters, they received injunctions ordering them to tidy up and three signed ‘acceptable behaviour contracts’ – signed with the social landlord to avoid court action.  Read more on Inside Housing.