New laws for landlords on their way

There has been a lot of coverage recently in the media regarding the condition of some rental properties with reports that tenants live in conditions which could endanger their lives. Electrical safety is no exception to this rule, yet many landlords chose to ignore the condition of their property electrics and seemingly wait for something to happen.

The decision of whether to make compulsory a requirement to provide an EICR at least once every 5 years is yet to be made, however a law is due to come in later this year that will keep tenants safer in their properties.

What is the new law?

From October 2015, landlords will be required to by law to fit working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their properties.

Alarmingly 26 deaths and 670 injuries occur every year in UK rental properties where neither of these items were provided. In many rental properties, it is found during property inspections that tenants have actually fitted their own smoke alarms and provided their own carbon monoxide detectors. It is fortunate for the landlord that the tenants have taken this approach as many do not.

The decision has received strong support from a private consultation held about the condition of property in the private rental sector. There is also support expected from all 46 fire and rescue services across the UK many of whom will provide free services to fit and install fire alarms.

The law is designed to bring properties in the rental sector in line with existing building regulations in particular the fact that new build properties are required to have a hard wired smoke alarm system installed. Landlords will be required to fit a smoke alarm on every floor of their property and a carbon monoxide alarm in the vicinity of any fuel burning appliances such as gas boilers, log burners, coal fires etc.

Are you a landlord affected by these changes?

As electricians in South East London we are aware that most landlords already comply with the upcoming law as they already supply smoke alarms in their properties. Landlords of properties of multiple occupancy will already be familiar with the current laws surrounding smoke alarms, however the new law will require all landlords to provide working smoke alarms in their properties, however it will be the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that the smoke alarm continues to work by testing it regularly.

As fire alarm specialists here at Fulcher Edwards we are currently working with several landlords in the London area to ensure their rental properties are going to meet the required standard. It is not as simple as giving your tenants a couple of smoke alarms and expecting them to fit them themselves, it will be your responsibility as a landlord to make sure that they are fitted correctly in the right areas of your property.

By opting for the security of mains powered smoke alarms and not reliant on battery power alone, you will have maximum peace of mind as a landlord. At Fulcher Edwards we design, install and commission fire alarms systems in properties of all sizes. It is even possible to combine smoke alarms and carbon monoxide testers in one unit so both requirements are being met in one go.

Households without any working smoke alarm are 4 times as more likely to die in a house fire as against households that do.