A landlord who failed to provide a fire detection and alarm system in an HMO has been fined a total of £13,600.

Penalties were imposed by Brighton and Hove council after the landlord – which the council has not named – failed to meet three conditions of the HMO licence for the property in central Brighton.

The fine is made up of £8,000 for failure to provide a fire detection and alarm system; £4,000 for failure to construct a 30 minute fire resistant enclosure around electrical intake equipment; and £1,600 for failure to provide a means of ventilation to the kitchen by installing a mechanical extractor fan.

Councillor David Gibson, co-chair of the council’s housing committee, says: “Our priority is to raise standards in more privately rented homes in the city and make sure that tenants in the sector can live in safe, healthy and well-managed homes.

“When landlords do not engage to resolve problems, we will issue fines.

“This landlord has put residents at risk by failing to maintain proper safety standards. Where landlords fail their responsibilities to their tenants, we will not hesitate to take action.”