Private landlord fined for unsafe building

A Rochdale landlord has been fined for allowing tenants to live in a room which had been previously deemed unsafe by Rochdale Borough Council.

Mohammed Aziz, landlord of the licensed house on 256 Ashfield Road, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined £500, plus a victim surcharge of £15. In addition he was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2890.75.

The room had previously been deemed unsafe for fire safety reasons and had had a prohibition order served by Rochdale Borough Council. Evidence that the second floor attic room in the house was being occupied came to the notice of the council when on 18 August 2010, a fire broke out and four people had to be rescued from the premises by the fire brigade.

The Prohibition Order was served upon Mr Aziz on 16 October 2008 prohibiting him from using the room as a bedroom or living room until an automatic fire detection system; an emergency lighting system and a protected escape route had been fitted and approved by the local authority.

Some of the work had been undertaken but it was not fully complete or complying with regulations.

Gillian Lucas, Private Rented Sector Officer at Rochdale Borough Council said: ‘’It’s totally unacceptable to have a property where tenants' lives are put at risk because a landlord fails to comply and ignore statutory requirements for multi-occupied premises.   

"It is very fortunate that none of Mr Aziz’ tenants were harmed in what was a dangerous situation for the people who were occupying the second floor bedroom when the fire broke out.”

Councilor Linda Robinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult Care, Health, and Housing said: “The housing legislation that the council enforces protects residents from unscrupulous landlords who do not manage their properties properly and do not take their position as landlord seriously. This conviction should warn other landlords; if they do not act responsibly and meet their legal obligations, we will prosecute.”