Earlier this year we reported that under new rules, landlords will be required to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. The new law, which comes in to effect this October, could leave landlords £5,000 out of pocket if not adhered to.
Responsible for 26 deaths and 670 injuries a year, smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning is a dangerous threat that shouldn’t be ignored. The changes will require landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in high risk rooms (such as kitchens, or where gas appliances may be installed).
Landlords are responsible for testing the alarms at the start of every tenancy. It is then up to the tenant to maintain the alarms while living at the property (note that this is not required by law, however it does state that landlords are not responsible for continuous testing during the tenancy period).
If a local authority has reasonable grounds to believe a landlord has not installed or checked an alarm it will give notice to the landlord calling for action within 28 days. If the landlord does not carry out their duty then the local authority can get permission from the tenant to enter and install the required alarms. The landlord may then be fined £5,000, however they may be able to appeal.
