Landlords fined for health & safety negligence

Landlords fined for health & safety negligence

Two landlords have been fined for failing to protect their tenants’ health and safety.

Mohammed Al Amin and Mohammad Sarwar were both found guilty by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council of not heeding instructions to improve fire safety, heating and insulation measures in their properties.

Mr Al Amin, former owner of Rahim’s Tandoori in Banstead, had failed to comply with two notices relating to fire safety and insulation at the flat above the restaurant, which were issued by Environmental Health Officers.

He was fined £2,000 in addition to other costs and charges, which amounted to £1,851. He did not attend the hearing on December 16th at Redhill Magistrate’s Court.

Mr Sarwar was also convicted of not implementing two improvement notices to a property in Heston Road, Redhill, which could have created considerable health risks for its residents. Environmental Health Officers served a notice demanding fire safety, heating and insulation improvements, which were not carried out within the time stated. He was fined £1,000 as a consequence of his lack of action, while the council was awarded costs and other charges totalling £1,550.

Councillor Rita Renton, executive member for health, said: “Reigate and Banstead Council will not accept private sector tenants being directly exploited by landlords who force them to live in dangerous and unacceptable conditions.

“Good landlords have nothing to fear from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. But for the bad ones, this is a clear message that they will be dealt with swiftly and robustly, and they must clean up their act,” she added.

In related news, some councils have recently been awarded money in an attempt to crack down on rogue landlords.

Leeds, Rochdale and Blackpool councils have received financial support from the government to tackle a variety of issues, such as quality and safety standards, and to provide additional enforcement officers who will target and work with landlords to solve problems at properties that are deemed unfit.

Commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a ‘suitable and sufficient’ fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent, the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.

Sign In

Sign Up