Bristol City Council v Alfrod [2011] Lands Chamber, UKUT 130

The landlords owned a two storey maisonette above some shops, which was heated by Dimplex convector heaters. The property had been refurbished in 2007 and met the requirements of planning permission and building regulations applicable at that date. The accommodation was offered to the Bristol City Council’s Homeless Prevention and Deposit Bond Team who inspected the property. In September 2009, the council issued an improvement notice specifying a category one hazard of “excess cold” which required the replacement of the heaters with either gas central heating or storage radiators. There was no gas connection to the property.

After inspecting the property and hearing representations from the parties, the Residential Property Tribunal (RPT) found that