A landlord has been ordered to pay over £3000 court costs to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service after a court appeal against a fire safety enforcement notice was dismissed according to www.thevisitor.co.uk
The appeal was made by Mr Eli Zohar, a professional landlord of many years standing, on the grounds that the notice was too vague and not specific enough.
The notice was issued by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to address fire safety deficiencies in a house in multiple occupation (HMO) located in the West end area of Morecambe.
Mr Spencer, the solicitor representing the Fire Service, explained to Lancaster Magistrates that an inspection of the property by the Fire Service found significant failings under the order.
This legislation requires the responsible person to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment and to ensure that their property is safe, so, if a fire should start, then all persons in the property can safely escape.
The court was satisfied that the enforcement notice met the requirements of the order and ordered Mr Zohar to pay the full costs of Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service which amounted to £3200.
Lee Munday, Fire Safety Team Leader for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The issuing of an Enforcement Notice shows a high failing of fire safety.
“When issued they are wrote in accordance with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order. LFRS will always work with responsible persons to help with compliance however when required the order will be enforced.”