Landlord Jailed After Tenant Dies in Dangerous Basement Fire
Philip Sheridan, 32, died from severe smoke inhalation after a fire ripped through the unofficially converted basement where he lived in Harehills, Leeds.
The blaze broke out on June 26, 2019. Philip fought to escape but suffered burns and collapsed outside. He was rushed to hospital but died ten days later from his injuries.
Unsafe Cellar Flat Lacked Fire Safety
Leeds Crown Court heard the cramped, mid-terrace cellar flat was wholly unsuitable for human habitation. There was only one entrance — an inward-opening door partly blocked by a cooker, which was the fire’s source.
Shockingly, the property had no smoke or fire alarms installed.
Landlord Fails in Duty, Sentenced to Prison
Landlord Humrazz Shahid, 43, of Oakwood Lane, Leeds, was handed 13 months behind bars after admitting failing to meet health and safety duties under the Work Act 1974.
Though not the owner, Shahid managed the property since 2008 and collected Mr Sheridan’s housing benefit directly. He signed the tenancy agreement himself in 2013.
Police Warn Landlords: Safety First or Face Jail
“The death of Philip Sheridan was a tragedy — completely avoidable if Shahid had taken tenant safety seriously,” said Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes of West Yorkshire Police.
“We worked with Leeds City Council to bring Shahid to justice. This sentence should remind all landlords to meet their legal duties and protect tenants.”
