From 1st October 2015 additional statutory duties will apply to most residential landlords.
There will be a requirement for all properties to be fitted with smoke detectors on every floor on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation which includes bathrooms and/or WCs.
Detectors must:
• comply with current British Standards;
• be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations;
• be kept in working order; and
• be checked on the day the tenancy begins.
If the landlord wants the tenant to be responsible for replacing batteries this must be agreed in writing at the start of the tenancy.
In addition all rooms used wholly or partly as living accommodation with an existing solid fuel appliance must have a carbon monoxide alarm.
Alarms must:
• comply with current British Standards;
• be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations;
• be kept in working order; and
• be checked on the day the tenancy begins.
The local housing authority will deal with enforcement and has the ability to serve remedial notices which if not complied with can carry a penalty charge of £5,000.
For more information please contact our Conveyancing Team – 0116 262 8596