Landlords will be required by law to install working smoke and carbon
monoxide alarms in their properties, under new measures announced by
housing minister Brandon Lewis. The government says the move will help prevent up to 36 deaths and 1,375 injuries a year. The measure is expected to take effect from October 2015, and comes
with strong support after a consultation on property condition in the
private rented sector.
England’s 46 fire and rescue authorities are expected to support
private landlords in their own areas to meet their new responsibilities
with the provision of free alarms, with grant funding from government.
Lewis said: “In 1988 just 8% of homes had a smoke alarm installed – now it’s over 90%.
“The vast majority of landlords offer a good service and have installed
smoke alarms in their homes, but I’m changing the law to ensure every
tenant can be given this important protection.
“But with working smoke alarms providing the vital seconds needed to
escape a fire, I urge all tenants to make sure they regularly test their
alarms to ensure they work when it counts. Testing regularly remains
the tenant’s responsibility.”
The proposed changes to the law would require landlords to install
smoke alarms on every floor of their property, and test them at the
start of every tenancy.
Landlords would also need to install carbon monoxide alarms in high
risk rooms such as those where a solid fuel heating system is installed.
Those who fail to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms would face sanctions and could face up to a £5,000 civil penalty.
Alan Ward, chairman of the Residential Landlords Association said:
“This is a policy that we campaigned hard for, and was a key part of the
RLA’s manifesto for the private rented sector.
“Proposals for funding to provide free alarms to landlords are
particularly welcome and I look forward to seeing the details of this.”
http://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/news_features/Smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-to-become-the-law
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