No smoke alarms? – Landlord and Letting Agent jailed
It’s been three years since two young boys died in a house fire due to the landlord and letting agent not fitting smoke alarms. Smoke alarms most certainly save lives as they act as an early warning for fire and smoke. Belvoir Letting Agents in Cannock make sure that, if they have carried out the property inspection, that smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors are checked at the commencement of all new tenancies and if required they will replace or install on the same day. Read the news article at:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/18/landlord-failed-fit-smoke-alarms-jailed-deaths-young-boys-house/
During the managed property inspections, which landlords can request with Belvoir Letting Agents in Cannock, they will also check smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide detectors and if required they will fit or replace units during the visit. There is of course ‘no walking away’ from a property that have faulty smoke alarms irrespective of whether its adults or children that live in the property.
The difficulty for Landlords is, Belvoir Letting Agents in Cannock frequently find that tenants have irresponsibly removed batteries to simply stop them bleeping or even on occasions they have removed the battery to put inside the kids toys (Unbelievable!).
Who is responsible for checking the alarms are in working order?
The regulations require landlords to ensure alarms are installed in their properties with effect from 1 October 2015. After that the landlord (or someone acting on behalf of the landlord) must ensure all alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
After the landlord’s test on the first day of the tenancy, tenants should take responsibility for their own safety and test all alarms regularly to make sure they are in working order. Testing monthly is generally considered an appropriate frequency for smoke alarms. If tenants find that their alarm(s) are not in working order during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange the replacement of the batteries or the alarm itself with the relevant landlord.
On a positive note, Landlords with Belvoir Letting Agents in Cannock can at sleep easy knowing that there properties have complied with the landlords and Belvoir letting Agents in Cannock responsibilities in ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are checked at the commencement of all tenancies should the landlord employ Belvoir Letting Agents in Cannock to complete the property inventory and also checked during managed property inspections when requested.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has now produced a video aimed at letting agents and landlords. Take a look at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmITSPeiPI0
If you have any other questions or queries call our dedicated Lettings Team located in Cannock on 01543 886582 or pop in and see us at our in Cannock Town Centre opposite the police station on Wolverhampton Road, Cannock.
