Landlord allowed imminent risk of serious harm to tenants
Summary
A Cardiff landlord was fined after a council inspection found serious fire, electrical and general housing hazards in an HMO occupied by 10 people. The property was subject to an Emergency Prohibition Order after officers concluded there was an imminent risk of serious harm, and the landlord was also prosecuted for licensing and registration failures.
Why it matters
The case highlights the level of scrutiny applied to HMO fire safety, means of escape, and electrical safety, all of which are material issues for residential surveyors assessing risk and compliance. It also underlines the importance of checking licensing and management arrangements in Wales when advising on multi-occupied residential property.
Key points
- Council inspection found serious fire and electrical hazards, including exposed live wiring and inadequate escape routes.
- The property had six bedrooms as inner rooms and lacked adequate fire separation and fire doors.
- An Emergency Prohibition Order required residents to leave immediately and barred reoccupation until works were completed.
- The landlord was prosecuted for HMO licensing and Rent Smart Wales registration failures.
- The case involved offences under the Housing Act 2004 and Housing (Wales) Act 2014.
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