A Warwickshire property management company has been fined £750 after failing to provide fire safety documents requested during a housing standards investigation.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council has warned landlords and property mangement companies it will take enforcement action after a local firm was fined £750 for failing to meet legal safety requirements.
The authority said it issued a Section 235 notice to the company as part of an investigation into the safety and management standards of a property in Alcester.
A Section 235 notice, issued under the Housing Act 2004, requires a landlord or managing agents to provide specified documents to a local housing authority. These can include safety certificates and other records needed to assess compliance with housing law.
The council’s Private Sector Housing Team requested a number of documents, including fire risk assessment certificates.
However, despite what the council described as clear statutory deadlines and multiple formal requests, the company did not provide the required information.
The acouncil said this failure hindered its ability to carry out its legal duties and ensure the safety and wellbeing of the property’s occupants.
Cllr Liz Coles, housing and customer services portfolio, said: ‘Failing to provide essential safety documentation is not only a breach of the law, it puts residents at risk.
‘This action sends a clear message that Stratford-on-Avon District Council will not hesitate to enforce against those who disregard their legal obligations and underlines our commitment to maintaining and enforcing health and safety standards across the district’s private housing sector.’
‘We expect all landlords and property managers to cooperate fully and uphold the high standards required to keep people safe in their homes,’ Cllr Coles continued. ‘Beyond this penalty, enforcement of this nature can lead to substantial additional costs, including legal and prosecution fees, which may significantly increase the overall financial liability.’
The council said the case should serve as a reminder to landlords and managing agents of their legal responsibility and confirmed it will continue to take action where necessary.
Image: Openverse
In related news:
Free legal advice for victims of sexual offences perpetrated by military personnel
Leave a Reply