An advisory service is warning landlords to heed the lessons from a recent court case concerning legal obligation to ensure fire safety in rental properties.

Zahir Ahmed of Sheffield was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and 250 hours of community service after admitting to violating fire safety laws.

The case stemmed from a fire at a property he owned in February 2022 when firefighters had to rescue all 11 people trapped inside the building.

Landlord Licensing & Defence says the incident exposed a series of fire safety failings including a lack of fire alarms, emergency lighting, and proper fire doors. The single staircase also collapsed during the fire, injuring a firefighter.

Director Phil Turtle says: “Having a fire risk assessment, particularly for HMOs is essential for landlords to meet their legal obligations and ensure the safety of their tenants. This is a crucial step in identifying potential fire hazards in a rental property.

“It helps landlords develop a plan to mitigate these risks and ensure safe escape routes for tenants in case of a fire.”

Turtle cites three reasons why fire safety should be a top priority for UK landlords.

Firstly there is a legal obligation under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which requires landlords in England and Wales to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safe means of escape for occupants; second there is tenant safety because of the devastating consequences of a fire; and thirdly there are financial repercussions – non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment, as seen in the Sheffield case.

Turtle is now urging landlords to take proactive steps towards fire safety in their rental properties and says: “All landlords, or their agent, should regularly conduct fire risk assessments, install necessary safety equipment, and educate your tenants on fire safety procedures.

“By prioritising fire safety, landlords can create a safer environment for their tenants and avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.”