A landlord has paid out more than £3,000 for allowing tenants to live in a room that had previously been declared unsafe.

Mohammed Aziz came to the attention of authorities after a fire at his property, in Rochdale, in August 2010. A total of four people had to be rescued by the fire service.

Mr Aziz had been served with a prohibition notice two years earlier, banning him from using the room as a living room or bedroom until an automatic fire detection system, an emergency lighting system and a suitable fire escape route had been put in place.

A subsequent investigation found that not all of the works specified for the second floor attic room had been completed or complied with regulations.

Appearing at Rochdale Magistrates Court on 3 August, Mr Aziz pleaded guilty to breaching the notice. He was fined £500 with a victim surcharge of £15. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £2,890.75.

Gillian Lucas, who works in the private rented sector for the council, said:
‘’It’s totally unacceptable to have a property where tenants' lives are put at risk because a landlord fails to comply and ignore statutory requirements for multi-occupied premises.   

"It is very fortunate that none of Mr Aziz’ tenants were harmed in what was a dangerous situation for the people who were occupying the second floor bedroom when the fire broke out.”