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Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation Services
Secure Tenants, Safeguard Property: Stay Compliant with Alarms & Detectors
Not only do smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors protect your tenants, they protect your property and defend you against possible legal action.
Why do I need smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors?
Regulations introduced on October 1st 2015 made it a legal requirement for landlords to install smoke alarms on every floor of a property they let, as well as carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a solid fuel source.
In accordance with these regulations, smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of a property where there is a room considered as ‘living accommodation’. This refers to the lounge, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, halls, and landings. Where there are individual flats, smoke detectors must be fitted within each flat as well as on every floor.
Is there a type of detector I need?
While the regulations don’t specify a type of smoke detector that must be used, Wirral Homes recommend a mains-wired, interconnected alarm system as this ensures there is no gap in coverage between battery changes. However, independent battery powered alarms will suffice.
We would obviously advise that you refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation guidance, smoke alarms should typically be located at an air circulating point, and 1-3 metres away from a solid fuel burning source and at head height for carbon monoxide detectors.
What is a landlord’s responsibility for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors?
It is essential that landlords ensure that all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in proper working order both at the outset of and for the duration of a tenancy. For this reason, we advise that all alarms are tested at least once a month in line with government guidance.
Although, it is the landlord’s responsibility to make sure these checks happen, there is no reason tenants can’t do them. Landlords should, however, have a proper system in place to monitor testing however it takes place.
What are the possible consequences of not following this guidance?
Failure to adhere to these regulations could not only be fatal for tenants, if a landlord is alleged to have breached any of the regulations, local authorities could serve a remedial notice within 21 days. Upon this notice being served, you would then have 28 days to take the necessary action and provide documentation to challenge the notice.
If a tenant has hindered your ability to undertake your duties, such as by denying access to the property, then you must have sufficient evidence to support your claim. Penalty charges can reach £5000 and up to £30,000 can be claimed as a civil penalty charge for licensed properties. Local authorities may offer a discount for a prompt payment, but this is dependent on circumstances.
What we can do
At Wirral Homes, we’re committed to offering landlords the opportunity to take the stress out of property management. For that reason, we offer an extensive selection of services for landlords and can take care of all or as much of the process of installation and monitoring as you need to set your mind at ease. If you’d like to discuss your options, then Contact Us – let’s see what we can do to help.
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