One of the most crucial responsibilities of a rental landlord is to follow the fire safety requirements, ensurithe ng safety of the tenants and property.
Users may have to show evidence of fitting the correct alarms and that any furniture that is provided is safe. In this guide APE will outline the things users must do, as a landlord, to provide fire safety to the tenants.
It is illegal to not have a smoke alarm?
The smoke and carbon monoxide alarm (England) regulations act 2015 requires any landlord after 2015 to have at least 1 smoke alarm on every story of a property and a carbon monoxide detector in every room with a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. a coal fire)
The detectors are much less likely to have false alarms as they will not be set off by burning toast
For example, if users are renting a property spread across 3 stories then they must have at least one smoke alarm fitted on every floor to meet the legal standards. Additionally, should a property have a wood-burning stove, there needs to be a carbon monoxide detector installed in this room.
It is not a legal requirement for any detectors to be installed in the kitchen area however, it is advised that heat or optical detector is placed in the kitchen. These detectors are much less likely to have false alarms as they will not be set off by burning toast.
Which fire safety regulations are legally required?
- Provide and install a smoke alarm on each story of the property.
- A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance i.e. Wood burning fire.
- Make sure any furniture and furnishing supplied are fire safe.
- Fire alarms and extinguishers must be provided if the property is large or has multiple occupiers.
Is it a legal requirement to have a carbon monoxide alarm?
Any coal fires or log burning stoves mean that users should install a carbon monoxide detector
Currently, in England, the law states users only need to install them if a property is used as living accommodation and has a solid fuel combustion appliance. Any coal fires or log burning stoves mean that users should install a carbon monoxide detector.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless poisonous gas that is produced by these appliances. If users breathe it in it can kill so these must be installed correctly.
Where to install a smoke alarm?
Users should place a smoke alarm on a ceiling in a central position. When installing the alarms, they should consider not installing the device too close to a wall or light and whether the alarm is audible throughout the house.
If bedrooms or living areas have big electrical appliances such as TVs or speaker systems, users should consider fitting alarms in here too.
Who can fit a smoke alarm?
It is always best to have a qualified professional install your fire safety systems to ensure maximum safety. Fire alarm systems should also be checked regularly by someone ‘competent’.
This is essential when having a fire alarm system as without the right maintenance and care it can make the system pointless.
fire safety devices
If tenants are renting a property, it is the law to have some of these fire safety devices on the property
If tenants are renting a property, as stated above it is the law to have some of these fire safety devices on the property. Firstly, they could bring it up to the landlord stating the issues with not having any fire alarm systems on the property.
Tenants may have already brought this issue to light; however, it is important to have proof of these concerns and reports. It is best to send emails so that they have all correspondence in written form.
Document communicaton
Alternatively, if tenants have a phone call with the landlord they can request for them to confirm the details over email or email them with what tenants have discussed, thanking them for the call. Document all this communication and clearly explain the issues that need addressing.
It is important to give the landlord time to respond to the concerns and have time to buy or arrange the installation of the fire alarm system but also it is important to reiterate how important it is to have these safety measures in place.
Fire safety property
A.P.E Fire & Security is:
- Experts in the field, with over 40 years of experience in designing, installing, and maintaining fire alarms.
- NSI silver approved for fire.
- Bafe Certified.
- Experts at designing the perfect fire alarm system for users.
- Highly qualified to install and set up the system with users.