As you may be aware, new smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm (England) regulations are expected to come into force in October 2015, requiring private rental sector landlords to improve the fire safety of their tenants as well as offer protection against Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The regulations have been introduced with strong support following a consultation on property condition in the private rented sector. Over the next 10 years it is estimated that these new laws will result in 231 fewer deaths and 5,860 less injuries nationally.
The new safety laws will be enforced by the local housing authority and will make it compulsory for all private rented sector landlords to:
- Fit at least one smoke alarm on each floor of their premises
- Fit a Carbon Monoxide alarm in all rooms containing a solid fuel appliance
- Check that all alarms are working when a new tenancy starts- with potential penalties up to £5,000 if they don’t comply
To support private rented sector landlords in meeting this new legislation the Department for communities and Local Government are working with fire rescue services to provide free smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms for rental properties.
Private landlords or managing agents can apply for free smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms and find further information, including exclusions to the new legislation, at www.london-fire.gov.uk/freesmokealarms.asp.
