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New law will force England’s landlords to install smoke and CO alarms (13 March 2015)
Date: 13/03/2015
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis has announced that from October 2015, all private sector landlords in England must install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in properties they rent out, to protect tenants from the risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Online publisher 24Dash.com reports that the new law – announced on Wednesday (11/03/15) by the Housing Minister – will help prevent an estimated 36 deaths and 1,375 injuries every year.
The move comes after consultation into the condition of property in the private rented sector (PRS) – and local fire services are expected to help support private landlords, including supplying free alarms funded by the government.
Mr Lewis said:
“In 1988, just 8 per cent of homes had a smoke alarm installed – now it’s over 90 per cent.
“ The vast majority of landlords offer a good service and have installed smoke alarms in their homes – but I’m changing the law to ensure every tenant can be given this important protection.
“…With working smoke alarms providing the vital seconds needed to escape a fire, I urge all tenants to make sure they regularly test their alarms to ensure they work when it counts – testing regularly remains the tenant’s responsibility.”
The Communities Minister Stephen Williams added:
“We're determined to create a bigger, better and safer private rented sector – a key part of that is to ensure the safety of tenants with fire prevention and carbon monoxide warning.
“People are at least four times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there's no working smoke alarm.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise private sector landlords on their legal obligations, including health and safety issues involving rented property – and Landlord and Tenant disputes over rented property, including disrepair of rented property.
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can also act for private tenants and social housing tenants in cases of disrepair – and can also advise on Housing Benefit, housing possession, Local Authority housing, unlawful eviction and nuisance neighbours.
For expert legal advice on housing matters, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.