Landlords face £5K fine over smoke alarms

New legislation came into force last year that enables the council to take action against landlords that have not provided the required alarms.

They must provide every rented home with a smoke alarm on each storey of the property where there is a bedroom or a living room and a carbon monoxide alarm in any living room containing a solid fuel burning appliance. Each alarm must be working on the day that a new tenancy begins.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Skills, said: “We want to ensure that all rented properties in the district are safe. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are cheap, easy to install and save lives.

“The council is urging all tenants in rented properties to contact their landlord to make sure the correct equipment is fitted in their home.

“Landlords have a duty to provide them. If your landlord fails to do this, please contact us immediately so that we can take action.”

A remedial action notice will be served on the landlord within 21 days if the council is told the requirements have not been met by a landlord.

The notice will require the landlord to comply with the notice within 28 days – or the council will carry out the work and fine them £5,000.

Landlords can be reported on 01924 306665.