Landlord failed to take fire safety seriously

Marcus Brade, 47, of Wickhay, Basildon, appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court on Monday 4 March and pleaded guilty to three charges. He was sentenced to a fine of £2,646, costs of 2,000 and a victim surcharge of £170.

The charges included a breach of an Improvement Notice served by Basildon Council under the Housing Act 2004, which required works to be carried out in respect of fire safety measures. He was also charged with two offences under the HMO Management Regulations 2006 that require relevant fire measures to be in place including interlinked smoke alarms and an adequately protected fire escape route.

The offences referred to a house in multiple occupation (HMO) in Oldwyk, Basildon, that Mr Brade owns and rents out to tenants.

The　property was previously subject to an Emergency Prohibition Order under Mr Brade's management where officers determined serious safety risks to the occupants.

Councillor Don Morris, Chairman of the Housing Committee, said: "All borough residents deserve a home that is safe and we will do all we can to take action　against private landlords who think they can cut corners in terms of fire safety when letting their properties.

"HMO accommodation is regarded as being at a higher risk of fire than single family homes. I would like to thank council officers for their intervention. This prosecution sends a clear message to landlords that we will act to ensure the safety of tenants."