A landlord has been given a suspended jail sentence after being prosecuted for putting the lives and safety of tenants at risk.  

The landlord, Liang Chen, pleaded guilty to four breaches a property in Preston.

In July 2021, fire safety officers inspected the property as part of a multi-agency inspection. Due to an inadequate fire alarm system and inadequate means of escape, a Prohibition Notice was served stating that the premises could not be used for sleeping accommodation.

In January 2022, a further inspection was completed when it became apparent that the premises were being used for sleeping accommodation despite the premises being prohibited.

These breaches posed a serious threat to the life and safety of the occupier and anyone else who may visit the property, says Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, which prosecuted Chen for his failure to comply with the Fire Safety Order. 

Chen was sentenced to nine months to be served concurrently, suspended for 18 months, 120 hours community service and he must pay £2,400 in costs to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. 

A spokesperson for the service says: “Mr Liang Chen is the responsible person for these premises, and as such has a legal duty to ensure that people who use his premises are provided with a safe environment. We hope that this prosecution will ensure that the standard of his properties is kept within the requirements of the law.

“In our constant drive to make Lancashire safer, our fire safety enforcement teams are always actively seeking out other dangerous premises. We would hope that the outcome of this particular case sends a clear message that fire safety must always be a priority.

“In this instance the consequences of the inadequate fire safety measures and inadequate management could have led to serious injury or loss of life and circumstances left us with no other option but to take this action.

“Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service will always work with those willing to address fire safety issues and businesses can be assured that we will continue to support them in complying with the Fire Safety Order. 

“We would urge landlords and responsible persons who need to take action to comply with fire safety regulations to visit the Business Safety section of our website, which contains advice and guidance on how to comply with your legal duties.”