New Campaign Urges Private Landlords To Go Beyond New Smoke Alarm Regulations

A new awareness campaign has been launched urging landlords to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the government’s planned new legislation requiring private landlords to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their rented properties.

Led by FireAngel, the UK market leader in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, the ACT NOW! campaign encourages private sector landlords on best practice, and the benefits of installing a more comprehensive package of smoke, CO and heat alarms.

From October 2015, proposed legislation will require private sector landlords to install working smoke alarms on each floor of their property and a CO alarm will need to be installed where solid fuel appliances, such as log burners and coal fires, are present.

To provide extra protection ACT NOW! recommends installing carbon monoxide alarms in any room at risk of potential leaks. Furthermore landlords should also consider installing a heat alarm in the kitchen as Kevin McCann, Marketing Manager explains: 

“Sadly, individuals are four times more likely to die in a house fire if there isn’t a working smoke alarm fitted, so this new legislation is another important step towards ensuring that more people and properties are protected from fire. 

“However, there are further measures that landlords can take to provide more effective protection for their tenants, who could still be at risk from CO. The legislation requires landlords to fit carbon monoxide alarms in all rooms with solid fuel appliances, but we’re encouraging landlords to go above and beyond this, by installing alarms in all rooms that could be at risk from deadly CO leaks.  

“We are encouraging landlords to act in good time ahead of the regulations coming into force, and are advising property owners to think beyond the legislation and provide the optimum level of protection for both new and existing tenants.”

All smoke alarms installed must meet the relevant British Standards and landlords will be responsible for ensuring that all alarms are in full working order, at the start of every new tenancy. Any landlord found to be breaching the regulations could receive a fine of up to £5,000.

The brand of choice for the UK Fire and Rescue Services, FireAngel offers a comprehensive range of easy to install smoke, carbon monoxide and heat alarms. All alarms are available with tamper proof sealed for life battery. 

To learn more about the ACT Now campaign and to find out what you should do next visit, www.fireangel.co.uk or call 02477 717700.

Published October 2015