Landlord escapes prison after string of fire safety breaches

Landlord escapes prison after string of fire safety breaches


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A landlord has been prosecuted for fire safety breaches that put the lives and safety of tenants at risk, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) reports.

Fire safety inspectors first visited the property in Preston in July 2021.

Inspectors found what they called  “an inadequate fire alarm system and [an] inadequate means of escape”. 

A prohibition notice was served, preventing the premises from being used as sleeping accommodation.

A further inspection was carried out in January 2022 in which “it became apparent that the premises were being used for sleeping accommodation despite the premises being prohibited”.

As a result, the fire service brought a prosecution against the landlord, Liang Chen, for failing to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, stating that the breaches “posed a serious threat to the life and safety of the occupier and anyone else who may visit the property”.

Chen pleaded guilty to four offences:

  • Article 9(1): Failure to make a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment;
  • Article 13(1)(a): Failure to ensure the premises were equipped with appropriate fire detectors and alarms;
  • Article 14(2)(b): Failure to ensure persons could evacuate the premises as quickly and safely as possible;
  • Article 32(2)(h): Failure to comply with the requirements imposed by the prohibition notice.

Chen was given a total prison sentence of nine months, suspended for 18 months. He also received 120 hours of community service and was ordered to pay £2,400 in costs to LFRS.

Protection Department Group Manager for LFRS, Ian Armistead, 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.”

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