TORONTO – The owner of an illegal rooming house in Toronto has been fined $75,000 following the death of a tenant in a fire in 2013.
A Provincial Offences Court decision on the conviction ruled on Aug. 12 carries a $60,000 fine plus a $15,000 victim surcharge against Konstantin Lysenko.
The owner also faces a probation of 18 months and cannot possess or manage any rental property for the same period.
“The August 12 court decision highlights the importance for all owners and landlords to understand the requirements under the Ontario Fire Code, and to realize that non-compliance will result in legal action,” said James Stoops, Toronto Fire Services Divisional Chief in a media release.
The fatal fire began in the basement apartment of a three-storey detached home at 189 Sheridan Ave. that claimed the life of a 23-year-old Alisha Lamers on Nov. 20, 2013.
Officials say the home was operating as an unregistered illegal rooming house which had seven rooms, three kitchens and three bathrooms.
“We have been waiting 21 months to hear the outcome. Hearing this will be very healing for me,” said Janet Lamers Moore, mother of the fire victim.
“It was so important to us to have the landlord held responsible for his part. Thank you again to your staff and to the three firefighters who carried Alisha out.”
The City’s Fire Prevention Officer discovered several fire code violations at the residence including fire alarms that were not properly maintained in working condition by the owner and were broken.
Batteries from the second and third floor alarms also did not work when tested and on the first floor, there was a smoke-alarm base only in the kitchen.
In addition, the third floor lacked a second exit. Legislation requires that each floor should have at least two exits.
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