Landlords jailed for fire on Hampden Road

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Permalink Reply by matt on June 13, 2009 at 11:13

Quote:

The breaches included inadequate fire detection systems, no fire doors on bedrooms or the communal kitchen, no emergency lighting in the building’s stairway and a lack of fire extinguishers or fire blankets. No fire risk assessment was available for inspection.

Most rented accommodation would fail to meet these requirements. The landlords or owners of this property in Hampden Rd were unwise to ignore the Fire Service advice and warnings. They have been used as an example to warn other landlords to get their house in order, literally. Hopefully this means the Fire Service is going to concentrate further inspections on rentals in this borough.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on June 13, 2009 at 15:42

2 members of The Fire Service fitted smoke alarms for me this week and I talked to them about this issue in relation to a property on our street that I am certain would not come close to compliance. They told me would love to do more inspections but can only enter a premises if invited (as they were in my case) or if there is a good reason (such as a call out for a fire) often highlighted by the local authority. So its down to LAs to get them in.

Furthermore, it should surely be the case that certificates of lawfulness are granted only after the most stringent of fire inspections are carried out and requirements complied with? Anyone know if this is the case?

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Permalink Reply by PeterPiper on June 13, 2009 at 18:29

I'd have thought the insurance companies would require appropriate certification before providing cover if they are aware of the building's use. Can a certificate of lawfulness be granted without insurance documents being checked?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hatch on June 16, 2009 at 2:03

Hi Liz, I am in the unfortunate position of managing a HMO (the only one thankfully, as we concentrate mainly on sales) I met with the LA at the property and they have submitted a detailed plan to the LFB, who in turn stipulate where the mains wired fire detectors are to be sited.

The only reason I am dealing with this HMO (awaiting license) is because the landlord has and continues to do whatever is asked of him in terms of updating the property.

LA's were given a huge amount of power when The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was brought in, in April 2006. It is the risk assessment procedure for residential properties and it replaced the Housing Fitness Regime on 6 April 2006 in England.

We all know Haringey Council are stretched but they have a duty, and the power to follow up on any concerns that are brought to their attention. All our landlords are warned and given a copy of the HHSRS and if they are not willing to take it seriously we WILL NOT entertain them.

We will only deal with a responsible landlord as it is no exaggeration to say that people's lives at risk!

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/pdf/150940.pdf

It's about time certain landlords started taking this stuff seriously for a number of reasons... Not only do a great deal of these properties look unsightly, but a lot of them are accidents waiting to happen. Lets seriously hope it's not a death next time. I wouldn't want my son staying in an unsafe house at any cost.

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Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon on June 16, 2009 at 10:15

Hi Steve

Thanks for providing the link. Do you know if this applies to all rented properties? I'm asking because the licensing for HMOs applies to buildings over 2 stories (if I remeber correctly) which excludes a significant number of multiply occupied properties in Tottenham.

Thanks

Zena

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hatch on June 16, 2009 at 21:19

Hi Zena

You are welcome. As far as I am aware the HHSRS laws apply to all landlords, not just HMO's

The following link will give you some idea as to the power the LA have if they find the resources to tackle the problem.

http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/BlogNews/newsletterNov05.htm

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Permalink Reply by james walsh on June 15, 2009 at 1:58

Those people are now in jail, yet two sets of people have had their lives ruined.

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