Student housing operator fined as accommodation deemed to pose a significant risk of death
A student accommodation operator has been fined more than £22,000 after serious fire safety breaches were deemed to pose a significant risk of serious injury or death in the event of a fire.
Elvet Residences Limited was repeatedly warned by County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) over the safety of five blocks of student housing on New Elvet Durham.
The premises had provided accommodation for over 170 residents.
Despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions by CDDFRS between October 2023 and April 2024, the company failed to take adequate steps to remedy the fire safety breaches.
During a sentencing hearing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 5, Elvet Residences Limited was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £12,071 in costs to CDDFRS, along with a £2,000 victim support surcharge.
The court found the fire safety breaches to be of high culpability and medium harm, citing systemic failures in fire safety management.
Johnny Smith, Head of Fire Safety at CDDFRS, said: “This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining robust fire safety standards, especially in buildings with sleeping accommodation.
“The safety of residents must never be compromised.
“This prosecution sends out a strong message to those with responsibilities under the Fire Safety Order and shows the Service’s commitment to fire safety.”
Following the case, CDDFRS is urging all property managers and landlords to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and to act promptly on risk assessments and enforcement notices.
The Fire Service have said further guidance can be provided by emailing [email protected]
You can report any fire safety concerns via the CDDFRS website.