A PROPERTY management firm, which put tenants’ lives at risk with substandard safety measures, has been fined £3,000 by Bolton Magistrates’ Court.

Miller Metcalfe Estate Agents Ltd appeared in court for sentencing on Monday having previously admitted three offences relating to a town centre property.

The court heard how the building in Deansgate was home to two ground floor businesses and a single flat on the first floor, where the same tenant had lived since 1985.

After taking over management of the upper residential floors of the property in April 2017, Miller Metcalfe subsequently let out the second and third floors, which formed a second flat, to three more tenants.

This caused the property to be reclassified as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), meaning the management company had to follow strict safety requirements.

Officers discovered that there was no fire protected escape route that would allow the occupants to safely get out of the building in the event of a fire.

The property was also not fitted with the required interlinked fire alarm system to provide early warning in the event of a fire, which was particularly concerning given the size of the building and commercial premises below.

The council served an Emergency Prohibition Order immediately preventing the second and third floors from being used for residential accommodation and the occupants were found alternative accommodation.

In court, Miller Metcalfe admitted it had not taken all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of their tenants.

The company also failed to put their contact details on display in the property, as stipulated by HMO regulations.

As well as the fine, the court also ordered Miller Metcalfe to pay £1,496 in costs together with a £120 victim surcharge.

Bolon Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Adele Warren, said:

“Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home and this result sends a clear message to landlords that put people at risk by cutting corners or ignoring regulations.

“As a council, our first priority is to work constructively with landlords to help them comply with all the relevant legislation.

“However, we will not hesitate to take legal action against those that flout the rules and put profits before the health and safety of Bolton residents.”

Tenants concerned about their rental property can contact the council’s Housing Standards Team on 01204 336500 or e-mail housingstandards@bolton.gov.uk.

The Bolton News approached Miller Metcalfe for comment but no one was available.