I must admit it came as a bit of a surprise when I read this week that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed by law in rented properties. The reason I was shocked is that I just assumed that was already a law.
Since InventoryBase began I don’t think I’ve ever seen a property without multiple smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted inside. But the statistics say the new legislation could prevent 36 deaths and 1,375 injuries a year.
It just goes to show that for every great landlord out there (and there are loads of them!) – there are still a minority that are putting their tenants wellbeing into question. Scary stuff.
The new law states that it is the responsibility of the landlord and the letting agent to ensure that the alarms are fitted and maintained. When clerks use InventoryBase during check-ins they can include existing alarms and their location in the report. The report is then sent to the agent, landlord and tenant meaning everyone involved knows the score.
“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” says housing minister Brandon Lewis.
The official data shows that people are at least four times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there’s no working smoke alarm.
If you’re a tenant and are unsure where your alarms are or are unsure of they’re working contact your agent immediately.
For the full news story click here.