Landlord fined after renting out ‘potential death trap’
Published: 29/05/2013
A recent court case has highlighted the legal responsibilities a landlord is required to uphold when letting property and the subsequent consequences of neglecting such duties.
The case involved London-based landlord, Elizabeth Johnson, who was fined £3000 after renting out a property with serious safety hazards including inadequate heating, penetrating damp, dangerous electrics and poor fire safety.
Johnson was served with a prohibition order which banned her from renting the property further until ‘vital safety improvements’ had been made.
However nine months later, tenants were still residing in the property. As a result she was fined £3000 for breaching the prohibition order and ordered to pay additional council costs amounting to £1300.
GW LET solicitor, Rob Denman, believe this case could act as a wake-up call for fellow landlords:
“By law landlords must ensure their properties are safe. It is therefore a legal requirement to have an annual gas safety certificate for all gas appliances. Electrical appliances must be PAT-tested and any furniture must meet fire safety requirements.
“Bedsits and HMO properties require additional assessments – HMOs must undergo an electrical safety check every five years and bedsits need a written fire assessment.
“Failing to ensure the safety of your tenants is likely to end in a hefty fine or worse, serious injury to your tenants.”
Content correct at time of publication