By A landlord has been prosecuted following the death of a tenant in a house fire at an HMO said to have had inadequate fire safety precautions.The case was brought against the landlord by Luton council, working with Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, against landlord Bhagwent Sagoo.The fire broke out at the property on March 27 2019 originating in the first floor rear bedroom...
A landlord has been prosecuted following the death of a tenant in a house fire at an HMO said to have had inadequate fire safety precautions.
The case was brought against the landlord by Luton council, working with Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, against landlord Bhagwent Sagoo.
The fire broke out at the property on March 27 2019 originating in the first floor rear bedroom occupied by Evaldas Grisciukas, who died in the incident.
Another resident attempted to help the victim but that resident sustained burns, suffered smoke inhalation, and was himself significantly injured.
The court heard that the premises were occupied by seven people at the time of the fire and the judge concluded that there were inadequate fire precautions.
In particular, there were no fire doors and although some fire detection was present, it is not clear if it worked. They were not interlinked, as required by law. Sagoo pleaded guilty to a charge under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, relating to a failure to take general fire precautions placing persons at risk of death or serious injury in the case of fire.
He accepted that he was the manager but said he believed the property had been let as a single tenancy. The judge commented that he ought to have known who was in the house and would have done, had he carried out regular inspections.
Sagoo was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with a fine of £20,000 and £12,000 costs.
A spokesman for the council says: “We are committed to keeping residents safe and inadequate fire safety in an HMO just isn’t acceptable. We expect landlords to put the safety of their tenants first and are pleased to see this sentencing handed down.
“We’d like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Grisciukas.” Following sentencing, the judge commended two other residents on the property for their bravery. The fire protection measures required in HMOs vary depending on the layout, but generally, they are required to have fire-doors to every bedroom, lounge, kitchen, and alarm system, including interlinked detectors in bedrooms, lounges, kitchens, and in the hall and landing.
Below are Melanie Estates’ top tips for Ensuring effective HMO Management.
Carry on our HMO risk survey at the beginning of the tenancy follow the link below for our example HMO risk survey:
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Carry periodic inspection on the property and also remember to document the report, look out for signs that could show that an additional tenant may have moved in. If you own a 3 or 4 bed, and an additional tenant moves in, you could be creating an UNLICENCED HMO with knowing.
-Ensure that your Fire extinguisher is serviced every 12 months.
-Ensure that the Alarm is serviced every 6 months.
-Don’t forget to renew your license every year.
If you need any assistance with keeping on top of your rental property please contact Melanie Estates on 01603444251 or email Norwich@melaniestates.co.uk
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