Fire Safety Prosecution, £108,000 fine

A landlord has been hit with a bill of over £100,000 following a fire safety prosecution after flouting safety requirements at five flats. The Stockport-based company was fined a total of £108,000 for 12 separate offences and ordered to pay costs of £5,692. The company was represented by a solicitor but did not attend the court hearing.

In the properties in Manchester, which fall under Houses in Multiple Occupation (HiMO) legislation, several issues were identified, including:

• defective fire alarms
• defective fire doors
• unmaintained fire extinguishers
• disconnected smoke and heat detectors
• a dangerous staircase
• damp leaking ceilings
• overgrown land
• carelessly discarded waste

In addition to the basis of the fire safety prosecution, the Company also failed to provide necessary gas and electrical certificates.

The properties were inspected after an earlier investigation by Manchester City Council. On that occasion, Beckhall Properties were ordered to pay £12,400 after being found guilty of breaches. The firm owns a number of properties in Manchester. The firm was twice given a chance to talk with council officials but failed to attend an interview.

Manchester deputy council leader Bernard Priest said:

“Let the size of the fine send a message – in no uncertain terms – that it is simply unacceptable for landlords to fail in their legal obligations.

“Landlords have a duty to ensure their properties are suitably maintained and are not hazardous to their tenant’s safety. This rogue landlord has failed their tenants, at a number of properties, and will now pay a heavy price.”