Member Article

Fire safety experts issue warning over change in legislation for landlords

A leading fire safety company is urging landlords to ensure their properties meet new legislation on fire alarm systems.

From October 1, private landlords in England are required to fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all rented residential accommodation.

Failure to comply with the regulations, which apply to a range of different types of residential property, can result in fines of up to £5,000.

The new legislature makes landlords responsible for ensuring working smoke alarms are fitted on each storey of a property where there is a room wholly or partly used as living accommodation.

The new legislature also requires landlords install carbon monoxide alarms in any room that contains a solid fuel-burning appliance. This includes open fireplaces, solid fuel cookers and heaters, and multi-fuel stoves or fires.

Wirral-based Jackson Fire & Security, which supplies fire safety services to landlords and businesses across the North West, is urging landlords to ensure they are prepared for the change in legislature.

Tim Fletcher, Director at Jackson Fire, said: “Landlords need to be aware that from October 1 they will be responsible for ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in full working order in all of their properties.

“Fire safety provisions for houses of multiple occupancy are covered in the Housing Act 2004 and the Fire Safety Order 2005, but properties for single family occupancies were not previously covered.

“This meant that a landlord was responsible for maintaining a good standard of living and the gas and electrical systems in standard family homes, but not provisions for fire safety.

“This new legislation will cover that gap, and ensure properties in England have adequate fire safety provisions in place.

“We work with hundreds of landlords across the region, all of which are checking their systems to ensure they meet the new standards.

“It’s vital that landlords are aware of these changes. By acting now and ensuring appropriate fire and carbon monoxide systems are in place, they can avoid the risk of a significant fine from October 1 onwards.”

Government figures estimate that the new legislation will prevent up to 26 deaths and 670 injuries per year.

The new legislation, which will be enforced by local authorities, does not apply to student halls of residence, hostels, care homes, accommodation relating to health care provision, or providers of social housing. The Fire Safety Order 2005 covers these properties.

Jackson Fire & Security is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of fire and security systems. It has branches on the Wirral, Liverpool, Warrington, Mold, Cambridge and Glasgow.

Jackson Fire & Security employs 35 people across its six UK branches. Formed in 1991, the company has built a reputation for quality, reliability and service, and is a Siemens’ gold-accredited partner for fire systems

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .