TWO landlords will have to cough-up thousands of pounds after they let substandard homes.

Robert Cook and Dennis Clark were ordered to make improvements after fears were raised over fire safety at their properties in Lancing and Southwick.

Adur District Council took the two men to court and issued the men with Civil Penalty Notices, which have been upheld by a tribunal.

Cook had rented out a “poorly converted” garage at Ingleside Crescent in Lancing that had fire safety and heating problems.

A tribunal dismissed his appeal and he must now pay the council £15,000.

The authority also served him with demolition orders for structures including a summer house, which he refused.

They were demolished by the council after a warrant, and Cook will also have to pay for the costs.

Meanwhile Clark owned a former care home in Cross Road, Southwick, which he had converted into a house in multiple occupation.

He failed to carry out work to improve fire safety and complete a shared kitchen, and lost his appeal against a £9,350 fine.

Cllr Carson Albury said: “Civil Penalty Notices are a powerful tool to make it clear to landlords that running or providing substandard living accommodation is not acceptable.”

The money will support the council’s housing team.