A landlord has been sentenced after failing to arrange legally required gas safety checks on a rented property’s boiler for eight years. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Adam Evans failed to obtain annual gas safety inspections at a property in New Ferry, Wirral, where a tenant lived with five children. [press.hse.gov.uk], [hsmsearch.com]
The investigation began after concerns were raised by Wirral Borough Council. When asked for gas safety records, Adam Evans could provide only a certificate obtained after the issue was reported and was unable to produce records covering the previous eight years. The failure exposed occupants to potential risks including carbon monoxide poisoning. [press.hse.gov.uk], [hsmsearch.com]
At Wirral Magistrates’ Court, Adam Evans pleaded guilty to breaching gas safety regulations. He was fined £2,400 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs. The HSE reminded landlords that annual inspections by a Gas Safe registered engineer are a legal requirement and that records must be retained. [press.hse.gov.uk], [wired-gov.net]
