Landlord fined for putting tenants at ‘serious risk of death’

A private landlord in Liverpool has been handed a hefty fine for putting his tenants at risk of fire.

Following an inspection of a rental property in Hartington Road, Toxteth, it was found to have several safety issues which placed the students occupying the property at severe danger of death occurring in the event of a fire.

It was also found that some of the fire doors did not conform to fire door standards as they would not shut properly and were fitted with key operated mortice locks which would have prevented an easy escape in the event of a fire.

In addition, there was a defect with the fire alarm system showing the system was not being maintained, the fire extinguishers in the property had not been sufficiently serviced, while the staircase was not fire protected.

Gerard Canty was ordered to pay almost £4,000 after he pleaded guilty to eight offences relating to serious breaches of management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Canty of Newsham Drive, Liverpool, also pleaded guilty to failing to obtain a HMO licence for the property.

When sentencing, district judge Wendy Lloyd said that it was clear that the landlord was “cutting corners”, and reminded Canty of the tragic events of Grenfell Tower and how quickly fire can spread and kill people.

Cabinet member for housing, councillor Frank Hont, said: “Protecting the private tenants of Liverpool is a priority.

 “Those who find themselves in sub-standard accommodation can rest assured the council will take all appropriate action necessary to protect them where we are informed about it.

“Licensing for this type of HMO has been in force for over 10 years and there is simply no excuse.”

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