The new Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 are
coming into force on the 1st October 2015.
What are the new
regulations?
From 1st October 2015, private sector landlords must
have at least one smoke alarm installed on every story of their rented
properties.
There must also be a carbon monoxide alarm in any room
containing a solid fuel burning appliance (this can include coal fires or wood
burning stoves for example). Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed at head
height, either on a wall or shelf, approximately one to three meters away from
a potential source of carbon monoxide.
Landlords must also check that all alarms are in good working
order at the start of each tenancy. After the initial test done by the landlord
on the first day of the tenancy, it is the tenant’s responsibility to check
their alarms on a regular basis.
When does this legislation
apply?
This legislation applies from 1st October 2015 in
any dwelling that is privately rented.
Section 150(3)(a) enables the Secretary of State to provide
enforcement of any duty imposed by these regulations. Local authorities can
enforce these regulations and can impose repercussions for non-compliant
landlords.
Parts 1 to 5 apply under the Energy Act 2011 and do not apply
to a House of Multiple Occupation or a house in which a license is required, as
regulations for those properties are laid out in the licensing. It also amends
the conditions which must be included in a license under Part 2 or 3 of the
Housing Act 2004 in respect of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
What are the repercussions of
non-compliance?
Local authorities will be enforcing this new legislation.
After serving a remedial notice to non-compliant landlords who still do not
comply, they will be able to impose a fine of up to £5,000.
Below are links to the relevant legislation on the government
website.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Regulations 2015
Housing Act
2004
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