New legislation coming into force from 1st October 2015…

The government has recently announced new fire safety rules,expected to be put in place from 1st October 2015, which will protect tenants and help save lives.

From this date, landlords will be required to install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in rented properties. Failure to comply would result in landlords facing fines of up to £5,000 for each offence.

It is estimated that smoke detectors are currently installed in 90% of rented accommodation, but the new legislation will ensure that all tenanted properties will be brought in line with existing building regulations, which state that any newly-built homes post 1992, have smoke alarms installed on each floor level.

It will remain the tenants’ responsibility to ensure that fire alarms are working throughout their tenancy and landlords will be required to check them at the start of any new tenancy.
This is the first time carbon monoxide alarms have been mandatory. They are to be installed in high risk rooms, such as where a solid fuel heating system is installed or where a gas boiler is located near a bedroom or living room.

Carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased for around £15 from local DIY stores, supermarkets or from your energy supplier. Gas Safe Register recommends the use of a carbon monoxide marked to EN 50291 and also have the British Standards Kitemark, or another European approval organisation mark on it. CO alarms usually have a battery life of upto 5 years.

However, purchasing the detectors yourself may not be necessary as the government are also hoping to allocate funding to fire and rescue authorities to offer free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to local landlords.

The main target for the new safety measure is, older buy to let properties and small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) that do not require a license.

The new legislation will come into force from the 1st October 2015.

Key Facts & Figures for Fire Safety:
• A government representative anticipates the new fire safety rules will prevent up to 36 deaths and 1,375 injuries a year.
• People are at least 4 times more likely to die in a fire if there are no working fire alarms in the home.
• The governments own impact assessment suggests that over 200 lives could be saved by the introduction of this legislation over the next 10 years.
• It is important to get a CO alarm that will sound loud enough so wake someone if they are asleep, as it is likely only one alarm will be fitted in the premises.