After pleading guilty to three charges, including a breach of an improvement notice, which required work to be carried out in respect of fire safety measures, at Basildon Magistrates’ Court, Landlord Marcus Brade was fined £2600 plus costs and a victim surcharge.

Don Morris, chairman of Basildon Council's 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.”

Marcus Brade 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.

Don Morris continued, "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.”

The HMO was previously subject to an emergency prohibition order where officers determined serious safety risks to occupants.

Original Source 
Southend Standard