RIGHTMOVE GROUP We have an important update for all landlords and managing agents out there. Some changes to the law are coming into effect with regards to fire safety. As a landlord you will be required, by law, to ensure all your properties meet the new legislation.
Recent research from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has indicated those living in rented or shared accommodation are up to seven times more likely to suffer from fire in their home.
These increased risks are leading to much tighter controls and laws regarding fire safety in rental accommodation.
New legislation will be in effect from October 2015. As a landlord the law will require that you comply with all the following:
- install one smoke alarm on each storey of your rental property
- install one carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a solid fuel burning appliance
- test each alarm at the beginning of the tenancy
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If you'd like to find out more, Alarms4Life provides a comprehensive breakdown of the new legislation.
In order to support landlords, the DCLG are distributing free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms across the country, for use in rental properties. There is limited supply so apply today to avoid disappointment.
For your tenants to feel truly protected why not consider installing smoke alarms in all rooms in the house. In the kitchen, a heat alarm is an ideal solution.
Interested in getting your free alarm?Specifically for those of you who own or manage rental property within Greater London you can apply for the following for each property you have in your portfolio:
- 1 smoke alarm per floor
- 1 carbon monoxide alarm per room (for rooms with a solid burning appliance)
For those of you with multiple properties you can apply for up to 5 with one application. Multiple applications will be accepted if necessary.
Collecting your alarmsIf you're application is successful you'll receive a notification enabling you to go and collect your alarms from the preferred collection point on your original application.
More details will be sent to you when you receive confirmation that your application has been successful.
As a landlord or managing agent it is your responsibility to fit the alarms according to the manufacturer's standard. More information on this can be found at Alarms4Life.
Are all landlords eligible?- landlords who are registered providers of social housing
- Houses in Multiple Occupations (HMOs), hostels and refuges
- shared accommodation with the landlord or landlord's family
- long leases properties (over seven years)
- student halls of residence
- care homes
- hospitals and hospices and other healthcare accommodation
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What about tenants?
If you're reading this as a tenant and want to ensure your property meets the new legislation speak to your landlord to ensure they have submitted their application. This scheme is open to private landlords only.
If you're a tenant and you'd like some fire safety advice you can arrange a Home Fire Safety Visit. Apply online For any questions you may have on this scheme please email PRSSmokeandCOAlarms@london-fire.gov.uk. Related stories
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