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Fine for landlord who risked safety

Katie Wood
27/ 1/2005

A LANDLORD has been fined £2,250 for exposing tenants to an "unacceptable risk''.

Amir Saeed was fined by Hyndburn magistrates for his refusal to carry out improvements to a property containing five flats.

After a serious fire in a ground-floor flat in December 2003, council and fire officers inspected the property in Whalley Road, Accrington.

The inspection revealed that the means of escape from fire, other fire safety precautions and management standards throughout were inadequate.

Saeed, who owns the property, was served with legal notices and work schedules under the provisions of the Housing Act 1985, requiring that improvements be carried out.

But he failed to comply with the terms of the notice and legal proceedings were instigated by Hyndburn Council.

Councillor Ann Scaife, Cabinet portfolio holder for environmental services, said: "The tenants at this property have been exposed to an unacceptable degree of risk, and the level of the fine reflects the serious nature of this matter.

"This sends out a clear message to landlords of sub-standard properties in Hyndburn.

"We will carry on working to improve housing conditions in the private rented sector and will have no hesitation in enforcing legislation through the courts where necessary."