Safety check failures leave landlord with hefty bill

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland has prosecuted landlord Paul Coyle, resulting in fines totalling £3,000.

Belfast Magistrates Court found Coyle guilty oftwo health and safety offences. 

The court heard how Coyle failed to ensure a gas appliance at rented accommodation in North Belfast was checked by a registered and competent gas safety engineer to ensure it was in a safe condition.

The prosecution arose as a result of an investigation by HSENI into an earlier gas related incident at the property. During this investigation, an inspector identified that a gas safety check had not been completed for a gas boiler. 

After failing to provide confirmation of a gas safety check being completed, an Improvement Notice was served on the landlord which was not complied with.

Speaking after sentencing, HSENI Inspector Lee Dougan, said: “In this case, the property landlord failed to meet his legal responsibilities to complete a gas safety check of the gas boiler. A gas safety check not only details exactly what checks the gas engineer carries out, it confirms if the appliance has met the appropriate safety standards and is safe to use.

“HSENI will continue to ensure landlords meet their legal obligations in relation to completing gas safety checks and will take enforcement action if necessary.”

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