A regional fire service says a tragic anniversary is a good opportunity for agents and landlords to remember their legal obligations to install smoke alarms on every storey of their rented properties.
The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service fire service has issued the reminder on the third anniversary of the tragic deaths of three-year-old Logan Taylor and his brother Jake Casey, aged two, in a house fire in Huddersfield.
The letting agent responsible for the property was jailed in July 2018 for 12 months for failing to fit smoke alarms to the house.
Kamal Bains pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court of failing to install smoke alarms, under Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, of Exposing Public to Risk.
The fire was believed to have started as consequence of an electrical fault in equipment which was in the young boys’ bedroom. The two boys were asleep in their bedroom when devices including a television set alight and proved fatal for the two boys.
Deputy chief fire officer Dave Walton says: “This was a desperately tragic case for everyone affected by it and without doubt the boys’ memory will stay with the attending and investigating firefighters for the rest of their lives also.
“On the third year anniversary of the boys’ loss we want to remind landlords and letting agencies of their responsibilities to install smoke alarms on every storey of their rented properties and carbon monoxide alarms in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance.
“Do not take the risk with people’s lives and do not think that a fire ‘will never happen’ – it could well. If you are a private sector landlord or letting agent then take your responsibilities seriously and take heed of this warning.”
Kamal Bains has since been released from prison.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 says private sector landlords are required to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties and carbon monoxide alarms in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance.
The landlord or agent must also make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
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Shouldnt they also impose the responsibilities on the parents who failed to ensure these electrical goods are not charge in kids rooms or even left on stand by especially kids that young. what were they thinking!!!
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