From October 2015 new regulations will come into force, requiring landlords to ensure the fire safety of their tenants as well as offer protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Under the new laws smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of the property as well as carbon monoxide alarms in properties which burn solid fuels. Landlords must check the alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy with potential penalties of up to £5,000 if they don\’t comply.
Tenants are required to check the alarms are in working order and notify the landlord if they identify any problems. Fire and Rescue Services suggest that smoke alarms are checked weekly, to give themselves and their family the best chance of an early warning in the event of fire starting
The new legislation makes it compulsory for all landlords to:
- Fit at least one smoke alarm on each floor of their premises
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms containing a solid fuel burning appliance
- Check that all alarms are working when a new tenancy starts
Further information on this new legislation can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2015/9780111133439/contents