Five 'common' eyesores on properties that could see homeowners slapped with fines reaching £30,000
Common eyesores like overflowing bins could result in fines
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It’s easy for homes to fall into disarray when time and energy are scarce, but many people are unaware of the penalties that ensue.
Joshua Houston, property expert at Household Quotes, has flagged several mistakes that can incur eye-watering fines when left unmanaged.
The following five issues are frequently overlooked by homeowners and surprisingly common in the UK, according to the expert.
Untidy Garden - £500
Untidy gardens can be an eyesore for neighbours, but they could also present additional issues to homeowners.
Keeping the area around your home tidy will help you avoid fines
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Left unchecked, an untidy garden can attract rodents, negatively impacting neighbouring homes by spreading bacteria.
Homeowners are responsible for keeping their gardens in good order, according to the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1976, or they risk up to £500 fine.
Broken bin - £500
Homeowners should be careful not to let their bins overflow, particularly if they have a larger family and generate more waste.
Like an untidy garden, leaving the area around your bin untidy could result in fines reaching up to £500 depending on where you live.
Cracks in your property
Letting the cracks in the walls of your property grow bigger is a hidden hazard that often gets overlooked.
The Housing Act 2004 requires the repair of cracks to avoid racking up fines of £30,000.
It should be noted that the fines only occur in the most extreme cases and depend on your local council.
Drain maintenance - £5,000
The Building Act 1984 states that homeowners should keep their drains clear and well-maintained, to prevent blockages, floods and bad smells.
Not only can a blocked drain attract unwanted pests, but it could also result in an eye-watering fine of up to £5,000.
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Letting bins spill over could result in a hefty fine
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House number display - £500
The Street Naming and Numbering Regulation was established in 1999 it was a legal requirement to make house numbers visible.
Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £500, as it makes it harder for public service officials to locate properties.
Houston noted: “The law can be surprising, there are things that a lot of people do which could result in a fine.”
Because fines differ from one council to the next, homeowners must do their research on the laws listed above.