Legal News

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a private sector landlord, after a woman and her son were put at risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in their home for seven years.

Manchester-based company Rent4U Ltd failed to arrange an annual gas safety check at the woman’s home in Marlborough Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, between 2007 and 2014.

HSE inspectors who visited the premises to inspect the gas boiler found it was in a condition classified as “immediately dangerous”.

The court heard that in 2013, Rent4U had been served with two Improvement Notices by HSE, after failing to arrange annual gas safety checks at two other properties the company rented out.

At Trafford Magistrates’ Court, Rent4U Ltd – of Christie Way, Christie Fields in Manchester – was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £7,000 in costs, after pleading guilty to two breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Landlords have a legal duty to arrange and annual gas safety inspection of every gas appliance/ flue using registered Gas Safe engineers. Landlords are also responsible for the gas pipes if a tenant has their own gas appliance, although not the appliance itself.

Landlords must also ensure tenants know what action to take in gas emergencies – as well as how to turn off the gas supply.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewishousing solicitors can advise rental tenants in the private sector on a wide range of housing matters, including disrepair and landlord’s duty to repair, as well as tenancy agreements – and landlord and tenant disputes.

Duncan Lewis can also advise private sector landlords on their legal duty to tenants and other matters, including:

• Antisocial behaviour
• Gas Safety checks
• Landlord & tenant disputes
• Section 146 Notice (notice to quit)
• Tenancy agreements
• Unlawful eviction.

For expert legal advice on private rental housing matters, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.