GET a grip of your anti-social tenants - or face the consequences.

That was the message from North Ayrshire Council this week as they got tough with one local landlord.

At the most recent meeting of the Licensing Committee the home owner - who has a string of properties - was removed from the official Landlord’s Register.

Councillors heard that one tenant was convicted of growing cannabis in the rented house and that he also behaved anti-socially towards his neighbours.

Councillors were also told that the landlord didn’t respond to NAC letters or dismissed neighbours’ complaints and was actually in breach of the legal duty to have an annual Gas Safety inspection.

A council inspector also found that the hot water supply, electrics and windows were below legal standards.

North Ayrshire Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team (ASBIT) regularly visit landlords. When they visited the problem property the landlord told them he would consider evicting the tenant.

But he had failed to serve a legal notice, which is needed before starting a Sheriff Court eviction to, until a month after telling the Committee on August 6 he would take steps to have the tenant removed.

As well as being removed from the Register, the Committee also issued a ‘Rent Penalty Notice’ so that no rent would be due for the house. This means the landlord won’t get Housing Benefit.

And if the property owner tries to advertise for new tenants, for this or any other house, he could now face prosecution and a fine of £50,000.

Councillor Ronnie McNicol, who chairs the Licensing Meeting, said: “Removing this landlord from the Register proves North Ayrshire Council care about their communities.

“For too long anti-social behaviour has been a blight on our neighbourhoods. It’s not only the tenants - but action needs to be taken against the people, namely the landlords, who consistently fail to deal with their responsibilities.

“By banning this landlord, we are sending out a clear message that we won’t tolerate this. If you don’t deal with your anti-social tenants then be prepared to face the consequences.” The Committee continued to a later meeting to consider whether there should be rent orders over the landlord’s other houses.