It's time to be alarmed

Posted: 07/10/2015

From 1 October 2015, new fire safety laws require all landlords of residential properties in the private rented sector to have working smoke alarms in their properties. The regulations also make it compulsory for private landlords to fit working carbon monoxide alarms in any room containing a solid fuel appliance. Failure to comply risks a £5,000 fine. 

The regulations mean it will be compulsory for landlords to: 

• fit at least one smoke alarm on each floor of their rented premises
• fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel appliance such as a boiler, fire or cooker
• check that all alarms are working at the start of a new tenancy. 

The new legislation does not include social landlords and houses of multiple occupation as they are already covered by existing legislation.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published two booklets containing guidance for local authorities, landlords and tenants on the new Regulations:

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms explanatory booklet for local authorities

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms explanatory booklet for landlords

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