Residential Firm Fined £153,000 Over Fire Safety Failures in Leeds
A property management company has been fined £153,000 after serious fire safety failings were identified at Ahlux House, a residential block in Leeds. Scanlans Property Management LLP pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice relating to a defective fire alarm system and incorrect evacuation signage. [yahoo.com], [westyorksfire.gov.uk]
The case, brought by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, revealed that faults with the building’s fire alarm system had remained unresolved for an extended period, leading to numerous false alarm call-outs. Residents were also being advised to follow a “stay put” evacuation strategy when a simultaneous evacuation policy was actually required. [westyorksfire.gov.uk], [yahoo.com]
At Kirklees Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Helen Pitts found the company’s culpability to be high, concluding that the failings created a significant risk of serious harm should a fire occur. The court also heard that repeated false alarms could cause residents to become complacent and delay evacuation during a genuine emergency. [westyorksfire.gov.uk], [yahoo.com]
In addition to the £153,000 fine, the company was ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £11,410.15 in prosecution costs, bringing the total penalty to more than £166,000. [westyorksfire.gov.uk], [thefpa.co.uk]

