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Rogue Landlords Hit the Headlines with Large Fines
This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
There has recently been lot of negative press surrounding landlords being fined, for failing to comply with safety standards, accepting unsatisfactory living conditions, invading the privacy of their tenants, breaching their human rights, etc.…
It seems that this has continued, with a neglectful landlord, who allowed his tenants to occupy a property without properly functioning smoke alarms, a lack of sufficient fire doors and an external escape route that was in a poor state of repair subsequent to repeated warnings from the local council, being fined £177,000 for severe breaches of fire safety regulations.
We remind all landlords to ensure that they stick to their responsibilities surrounding fire safety – our comprehensive guide can help: https://landlordnews.co.uk/guides/a-landlords-guide-to-fire-safety/
The owner of Cresctcourt Properties Ltd accepted that he put the lives of his tenants at risk by not having sufficient fire safety measures in place, when he appeared before Reading Magistrates’ Court.
Brotherton pleaded guilty to four charges under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Officers from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service found a number of serious issues, including various failings, when they inspected the property in Waylen Street, Reading, occupied as a House in Multiple Occupation.
The Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Simon Jefferies, said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety of the people of Berkshire. We will always work with landlords to maintain fire safety standards in premises and prosecution is the last resort.
“However, we hope that the significant level of this fine will send a clear message to all property owners that they have a duty to keep our communities safe and, if they put anyone at risk by breaking the law, we won’t hesitate to prosecute.”
Landlords, don’t fall foul to hefty fines and prosecution by ensuring that all of your properties comply with the many laws governing the private rental sector. Check out our guides section to help you understand your responsibilities: https://landlordnews.co.uk/guides/
