Residential landlords need to keep an ear to the ground as regulations governing the renting of private properties start to come out of the new government.

Draft regulations relating to the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are expected to become law on 1 October 2015.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 are being introduced for England to ensure that premises let for residential purposes are safe for the people living in them.

With some exceptions the requirement is for the landlord to install smoke alarms on each storey of premises that are used as living accommodation and where there are solid fuel burning appliances, there must be a carbon monoxide detector in the same room too. These detectors must be in working order at the start of the tenancy.

Local housing authorities have the ability to enforce these regulations and fines of up to £5,000 can be imposed.

Author: Paul Pinder, Senior Associate, Nabarro LLP - View Paul's profile here

www.nabarro.com

© Nabarro LLP