There are new regulations for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in residential properties. The new regulations aim to save more than 20 lives per year, which is why they are so important!
It is now a legal requirement that all rental properties have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed. They must be fitted on every floor of the rental property and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in any room that presents a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, for example, any room that contains a solid fuel heating system.
The government have provided £3 million of funding for 445,000 smoke alarms and 400,000 carbon monoxide alarms. However, it is the landlords responsibility to ensure that all alarms are installed, tested and in working order. The tenants should then test the alarms regularly and report any issues that may occur.
Landlords who do not meet these requirements could face a fine of up to £5,000. However, councils are supposed to provide 28 days notice to the landlord to rectify any breach before doing so.
