Landlording is not just about collecting rent – it is a bed of roses that has thorns.
There are certain unavoidable responsibilities that no civil society can deny.
Transgression of the same is leading to more and more instances of landlords having to undergo jail terms for ignoring, in particular, fire safety rules. In some cases they can be hauled up by tenants (who are becoming more aware of their rights) in court for dereliction of duties and heavily fined.
Lawyers are coming forward to help on a no-win-no-fees basis.
A new legislation that has replaced previous obsolete ones caused a landlord, to be jailed last October. His negligence caused a fatal fire. In the nineties another landlord had to serve two years prison term for not complying with gas regulations that led to the death of the tenant.
Landlords however are complaining of being over burdened with complex rules and regulations but ignorance of the law is no defense when accidents occur.
Neither can the landlord pass on blame to trade personnel, managers or risk-assessment officers for any tragedy. The ultimate responsibility is that of the landlord.
Of special concern are ‘reluctant landlords’ – those who are biding their time for the market to rise by renting out the property. They tend to be more lax than the regular landlords as they have a temporary attachment to their units.
With a record of about 20 deaths per year from carbon monoxide leaks it is essential that landlords comply with all the relevant rules and regulations.
The law is not for catching landlords but to make the unit safer for all.
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