Durham student accommodation operator fined upwards of £22,000

The company was repeatedly warned by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service over the safety of five blocks of student housing located on New Elvet in Durham. The premises, which housed over 170 residents, was deemed by the Fire and Rescue Service to pose a significant risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fire.

Despite the warnings and enforcement actions issued by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service between October 2023 and April 2024, the company failed to take adequate steps to remedy the fire safety breaches.

During sentencing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on 5 November, Elvet Residences Limited was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £12,071 in costs to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, along with a £2,000 victim support surcharge.

High culpability, medium harm

The Magistrates’ Court found the fire safety breaches to be of high culpability and medium harm, citing systemic failures in fire safety management.

Johnny Smith, head of fire safety at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining robust fire safety standards, notably so in buildings with sleeping accommodation. The safety of residents must never be compromised.”

Smith concluded: “This prosecution sends out a strong message to those with responsibilities under the Fire Safety Order and shows the Fire and Rescue Service’s commitment to fire safety.”

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service urges all property managers and landlords to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and to act promptly on risk assessments and Enforcement Notices.