City council bans rogue landlord in Edinburgh

A landlord has been refused entry on the landlord register - making it a criminal offence for him to rent out property in Edinburgh.

It is the first time the city's council has refused such an application.

It was made after the Regulatory Committee heard Mark Fortune's submission to be entered on the register of fit and proper landlords.

Councillors were told he had been convicted of offences directly relating to his letting business.

These included an incident in March 2011 where he was fined £1,000 for operating an unlicensed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and September 2011 where he was fined £650 for threatening tenants.

They also heard that Mr Fortune's appeal to the sheriff for his previous refusal of an HMO licence from the Council had been rejected in January.

Councillor Gavin Barrie, convener of the Regulatory Committee, said: "Whilst the significant majority of landlords are of good character and comply with the law there are some, such as Mark Fortune, who act unlawfully.

"Private rented property is an important part of the housing market in Edinburgh and Landlord Registration laws have an important part to play in ensuring tenants and neighbours can live their lives safe from crime, disorder and danger.

"This decision sends a clear message to good landlords, tenants and their neighbours that we will take robust action against landlords who act unlawfully."