Taking care of the health and safety aspects of your property is even more important as a landlord. With the emphasis on landlord responsibility growing, it is vital to understand how these laws and regulations apply to you. The new smoke detector law is especially important, so let’s take a look at what this means.

When Do The New Smoke Detector Regulations Begin?

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on the 1st of October 2022.

Are Landlords Responsible For Smoke Detectors?

While there are no rules on what type of smoke alarm must be installed on a property (meaning a mains-powered or battery-powered detector is suitable), as a landlord, you are responsible for installing smoke detectors. New regulations for smoke detectors state that you must install at least one alarm on each storey of a household that is used as a home.

The Importance Of Carbon Monoxide Alarms

As well as smoke detectors, landlords also need to install carbon monoxide alarms in any room which has a fixed combustion appliance. This does not include gas cookers, and the carbon monoxide alarm can be affixed to the wall or free-standing. Carbon monoxide can be silent and deadly if a leak occurs, which is why this regulation is so serious.

Essential Repairs

While replacing batteries is not considered a repair, any more serious fault must be handled by the landlord. Once a report has been made that either a smoke detector or a carbon monoxide alarm is damaged, you must quickly repair or replace it.

Potential Fines

If you do not comply with these regulations, then you can be fined by your local authority. Local authorities are charged with enforcing the new smoke detector law and can fine a landlord as much as £5,000 after issuing a remedial notice. Compared to this, simply installing a battery-powered alarm is a cheap and secure option that will keep your tenants and building safe.

If you’re a landlord, then being aware of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm regulations can help you to keep your buildings safe and even save you money on fines.

Get in touch with Bowsers Solicitors to see how we can best support and advise you on this, and other elements of legal compliance.

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