A managing agent and his company have been fined in England for failing to provide information to fire inspectors investigating a Hastings property.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service reported on 19 October that Gareth Reed, sole director of Riverstone-Abbey Estate Agents Limited, was fined £12,500 at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 12 October. The company was fined £7,500. Reed was also ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and £2,525.31 towards investigation costs.
The investigation followed a fire in Hughenden Road on 15 May 2025. Three people suffered smoke inhalation after smoke in shared areas prevented residents from escaping.
Inspectors found a detector that appeared unsecured, doors without fire resistance or self-closing devices, and no evidence of fire instructions for residents. The court heard that Reed failed, without reasonable excuse, to supply the requested documents and information.
Under Article 27 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, authorised inspectors can require relevant documents. The fire service advises landlords and managing agents to respond within the stated timeframe. If you need clarification or have difficulty meeting a deadline, contact the inspector promptly.
Source
- East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service: fire-safety information prosecution, published 19 October 2026.
