A Cardiff landlord has been fined just under £1,000 after serious safety failings were discovered at a rental property in Canton.
John Hitchman Small pleaded guilty to 19 offences at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on May 1, 2026, following an investigation carried out by Shared Regulatory Services.
The investigation began after a tenant reported concerns about water leaking onto an electrical unit at the property.
During inspections, officers uncovered a number of hazards which they said placed tenants at risk. These included the absence of a suitable fire alarm system, incomplete fire doors, unsafe escape routes, no fixed heating, trip hazards and poor living conditions.
Investigators also found that the property was not licensed with Rent Smart Wales, while an annex had been created without the required planning permission.
In a statement shared by Cardiff Council, officials said: “We take tenant safety seriously and will continue to act against landlords who fail to meet legal requirements.”
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the council and regulatory authorities to tackle unsafe housing conditions across Cardiff.
