Smoke alarms for rented property
Landlords need to be prepared for a change in the law which will see them be required to fit smoke alarms in properties that are rented out, to help landlords prepare for the new regulations, the government has provided every fire and rescue service with a limited number of free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to give out to relevant landlords.
Landlords really need to act now ahead of the expected October implementation of the laws, which are going through Parliament, under the new laws, smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of any rented property and carbon monoxide alarms must also be fitted in properties with solid fuel fires or boilers.
The need to comply with fire regulations must be seen by landlords as a high priority when renting out a property, installing a smoke alarm not only saves lives but can also be a damage limitation exercise where the property is concerned. Landlords must check that alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy, there are potential penalties of up to £5,000 if they do not comply.