11^th December 2019

Alarms essential in rented properties

Introduced more than four years ago, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 stipulate that all landlords in the private rented sector must meet a number of legal requirements prior to letting their property. These include installing a minimum of one smoke alarm on every floor of the property, and adding a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is utilised. This may include an open fire or a log burner. In addition, the landlord is compelled to test all such alarms to ensure that they are in full working order prior to the start of each new tenancy.

The importance of effectively functioning fire alarms is underscored by UK Fire and Rescue, who report that they are called to more than 50,000 domestic fires each year – or an average of 140 a day. These account for more than 500 deaths and 11,000 injuries, many of which might have been prevented if the victims had been alerted earlier by an alarm. It is worth remembering that – statistically – you are twice as likely to die in a house that has no smoke alarm than in one with an alarm.

Since launching Award Property Management, Andrew Ward has focused on compliance in both areas for all his landlord clients. ‘Everyone understands the damage that fire can do to life and property, but it’s important not to overlook the effects of carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that can cause illness, permanent health issues and even death,’ comments Andrew. ‘It’s vital not only to test carbon monoxide monitors on a regular basis but also to make sure that those tests are recorded. In addition, both mains and battery operated alarms have an expiry date, so it’s advisable to replace them when they expire even if they appear to be working perfectly.

‘Carbon monoxide poisoning currently accounts for around 50 recorded deaths and approximately 4,000 medical visits every year, so it is an area that landlords need to take seriously. As one of the leading letting agents in Cambridge we have a flawless track record of ensuring that any landlord we work is fully compliant with all current legislation before they advertise for tenants. At the beginning of the tenancy the property should have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm installed and tested, and the location of each alarm should be noted on the inventory. Tenants should then be encouraged to test all alarms once a week, while the landlord should ensure that the casing is hoovered annually to remove any dust that may be covering the sensor. And should any of the alarms be beeping regularly the battery may be running low and in need of replacement.’

Award Property Management are letting agents in Cambridge, so if you’re looking for help and advice with any aspect of the rental market, why not get in touch? We’d love to hear from you.