Landlords across Largs and Millport have been warned they face serious sanctions if their properties are not up to scratch.

North Ayrshire Council this week told landlords they could be removed from their official Landlords Register if they are found to be neglecting their duties and comprising the safety and wellbeing on tenants.

All private landlords letting residential properties in Scotland must be registered to do so.

In a recent inspection carried out by the council, an individual was removed after his property was found to have extremely poor ventilation which made living conditions unbearable for tenants.

Inspectors have also encountered dampness in properties and discovered some without life-saving and statutory smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Some have also neglected their duties by failing to obtain the correct gas and electrical safety certificates.

These landlords have all been removed from the Register.

The Council’s Licensing Committee has also made Rent Penalty Notices, meaning that the Landlord cannot charge rent or get Benefit payments.

The Convenor of North Ayrshire Council’s Licensing Committee, Councillor Ronnie McNicol, said:

“We take this issue very seriously and it’s very important that the landlords out there listen

“The majority provide a fantastic service and look after their tenants and help them set up comfortable homes.

"When we have evidence of other Landlords who don’t take their responsibilities as seriously and fail to meet the standards expected of them, we can call them to appear at the Licensing Committee.

“We have to ensure that tenants across North Ayrshire are protected and are treated with respect.

"Landlords who do not maintain their houses to the legal standards could face sanctions. We will take action – we have proved that in recent weeks. “

The Council's website has advice for Private Sector Landlords and Tenants.

Check out https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/housing/private-sector-housing/private-sector-housing.aspx