Crossword Genius

Flat landlord no longer observed legal requirements (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dead letter

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'flat landlord' is the definition.
'dead letter' can be an answer for 'landlord' (I have seen 'Unresponsive landlord' mean 'dead letter' so perhaps 'landlord' could also mean 'dead letter'). I am not certain of the 'flat' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dead letter that I've seen before include "Unresponsive landlord" , "Itll not lead to prosecution" , "Ineffective rule" , "no longer observed" , "Law no longer enforced" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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