The above regulations are due to come into operation on 1st October 2015. Given the importance of the issue, we feel that you should be fully informed and prepared.
Please note that the regulations apply to all tenancies and not just those that begin after 1st October.
Your obligations under the regulations :
•The landlord must install at least one smoke alarm on each storey of the property that is used as living accommodation (and this does include bathrooms) .
•The alarms can be battery operated or hardwired and must be in line with current British Standards.
•Landlords must install a carbon monoxide detector in any room that contains a solid fuel appliance. This includes coal or wood burning fires and wood burning stoves.
For tenancies that are granted on or after the 1st October - the landlord must make sure the alarms and detectors are fitted and are in working order.
For all existing tenancies including those that will be renewed or those that continue on a periodic basis - the landlord does not need to check detectors or alarms but must ensure they are provided and fixed in place.
Enforcement
Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a fine of up to £5000 for the landlord.
Here at Whale Fire, we provide fire risk assessments for the common parts of flats as per the legislation within the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. We can also provide tenant information sheets and can inform your tenants and landlords of this change to legislation.