QUESTION
News on the Block recently carried an item concerning legislation expected to take effect in October concerning new alarms legislation. Landlords were to be required to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. Can you advise whether this is now law or when this will come into effect?
ANSWER
Landlords must comply with new Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations on 1 October The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 come into force on 1st October 2015. From this date, landlords must ensure that: (i) a smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation; and (ii) a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room of the premises which is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance. Ass regards a tenancy granted on or after 1st October 2015, landlords must also ensure checks are made to ensure that each alarm is in proper working order on the day the tenancy begins if it is a new tenancy.
Jonathan Upton, Barrister at Tanfield Chambers
