Are you ready?
The changes in the law surrounding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, will have a big impact on landlords and tenants across the UK.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 come into force on 1 October 2022 and require landlords to ensure their properties have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
There is no transitional period to implement and there are fines of up to £5,000.
Landlords are responsible for carrying out regular checks to ensure that the alarms are in good working order, and they will also need to provide tenants with information about how to test and maintain the alarms.
Tenants will also be responsible for testing the alarms on a regular basis and informing the landlord if they think there is a problem. If you are a landlord or tenant, it is important to familiarise yourself with it.
Some key points;
- Landlords are responsible for complying with the laws, unless it is written into a contract with your managing agent.
- Whilst not specifically specified where alarms should be fitted, smoke alarms should generally be in a hall or landing
- Carbon monoxide alarms should be positioned at head height approximately 1-3 metres from a potential source of carbon monoxide.
- Alarms should be tested when a new tenancy begins and then the tenant can test during the tenancy.
- Alarms must be repaired or replaced as soon as the landlord or agent is made aware of a fauly.