Fire safety warning for landlords
Shropshire landlords must ensure appliances in their properties are safe, or risk a possible jail sentence.
Matt Reeves, who leads the Health and Safety Division at Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said tenants had every right to expect their landlord to protect them.
"In a court case earlier this year, a landlord was jailed for 20 months after a tenant suffered 80 per cent burns in a fire at one of his properties and only pioneering skin-graft operations saved her life."
The landlord faced 14 charges altogether for failing to take suitable fire precautions, failing to ensure his tenants were not exposed to risks to their health and safety, and failing to ensure gas appliances and flues were adequately checked and maintained for safety.
The court heard he failed to provide even the most basic protection for his tenants, such as fitting a working fire-alarm system, installing the correct number of fire doors, or providing adequate means of escape.
And the gas appliances in the flats had not been serviced or properly inspected.
"The majority of landlords work hard to comply with the law, and so should have nothing to worry about, but any landlord who ignores their responsibilities must be aware of the very real consequences," said Matt.
Henshalls Health and Safety Division has helped many local landlords carry out full fire risk assessments to ensure appliances and flues are checked regularly, and that there are adequate alarms and fire doors fitted in the property.
"A full fire risk assessment is a legal requirement and it will cover all fire-related matters, so it's vital to seek expert help to make sure your property complies with the rules," said Matt.
"Tenants are entitled to feel safe in their accommodation, and landlords should take their responsibilities seriously ensuring their properties and appliances are well-maintained at all times."
