Landlord forced to pay £32,000 for failing to meet regulations as firefighters issue safety warning
“Where we identify significant risks to residents, we will take whatever action is necessary to ensure their safety"
The fire service have said they will “take enforcement action” against anyone caught breaking safety regulations after a Sheffield landlord was sentenced for a litany of issues in his properties.
Shakeel Shah’s failings were uncovered after a fire broke out in the Burngreave area of Sheffield.
The flats and HMO (house of multiple occupation) at 145A-147A, 149A and 151A-153A Spital Hill had previously been deemed deemed unfit for sleeping in due to insufficient means of fire detection and inadequate escape routes.
However, upon attending the blaze, firefighters discovered at least eight tenants in attendance.
Shah, aged 67, was ultimately handed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to pay £20,000 in costs, fined £10,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge, bringing the total financial penalty to £32,000.
Now, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have called reassured residents that they will chase anyone who breaches fire safety legislation.
Business fire safety manager Amy Jenkinson, said: "We will not hesitate to take enforcement action where serious fire safety failings place people at risk.
“This case highlights the importance of landlords and responsible persons understanding and complying with their legal duties under fire safety legislation.
“The measures required by law, including carrying out suitable fire risk assessments and maintaining adequate fire precautions, are there to protect lives.