Landlords in court after tenants suffer carbon monoxide poisoning

Published 17th October 2014

Two landlords from Bolton have been fined and sentenced to community service after a baby and its parents suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.

Landlords Mehboob and Suraiya Bobat of the property in on Bowness Road were prosecuted after four gas appliances were found to be unsafe in an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The couple living at the property had suffered from headaches as early as a month into the tenancy, but in August 2013, while at home with their four-month old son who they believed was unwell, the mother collapsed in the kitchen.

After being taken to hospital, all three were treated for high levels of carbon monoxide poisoning.

An investigation by the HSE found that the gas-powered water heater was without a flue, and therefore should only have been operated for a maximum of five minutes at a time. However, its overuse had led to high levels of carbon monoxide being omitted.

Trafford Magistrates’ Court heard that a gas engineer had classified the heater as ‘immediately dangerous’, while further appliances were deemed ‘at risk’.

HSE inspector Mike Sebastian said: “It’s shocking that all four of the gas appliances in the property had the potential to cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If the baby’s father hadn’t acted quickly to call an ambulance when he wife collapsed then the effects could easily have been fatal.

“Landlords must take their responsibilities seriously and make sure houses they rent out are safe for their tenants. We will continue to take legal action when landlords ignore the law.”

Mr and Mrs Bobat were sentenced to 80 hours of community service by the court. They were also ordered to pay costs of £720 and a victim surcharge of £60.

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