Smoke & CO Detectors – if you have a rental property without smoke detectors having been fitted, or where there are solid fuel burners (coal or wood burning appliances) without carbon monoxide detectors, then you need to act now.
As from the 1st of October 2015 landlords by law must have fitted smoke detectors (alarms) on each storey of a rental property. In rooms where solid fuel appliances are installed, Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are required. CO detectors are not required by law for gas appliances, but landlords are being encouraged provide them in circumstances where risks may arise as good safety practice.
Landlords must fit these devices before the 1st of October, and not wait for the start of a new tenancy, but there is no stipulation as to the type of alarms required ‘ battery or hard wired.
At the time of writing these regulations are before Parliament but we are assuming the regulations will come into force before the 1st of October.
At least one smoke alarm must be installed on every storey of the rental property which is used as living accommodation (heat detectors are not allowed as a substitute), and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used. After that, the landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
The regulations will require landlords to ensure alarms are installed in their properties with effect from 1 October 2015. After that the landlord (or someone acting on behalf of the landlord) must ensure all alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
After the landlord’s test on the first day of the tenancy, tenants should take responsibility for their own safety and test all alarms regularly to make sure they are in working order. Testing monthly is generally considered an appropriate frequency for smoke alarms.
If tenants find that their alarm(s) are not in working order during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange the replacement of the batteries or the alarm itself with the relevant landlord.
Landlords are expected to be compliant from 1 October 2015 when the regulations will come into force. There will be no grace period after this date to install the required alarms.
Government guidance can be downloaded here:
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
The best way to ensure that you are meeting all the regulatory requirements (including legionella checks) in any rental property is to Do Risk Assessments – download a free template here
Article courtesy of LandlordZONE
