Parliament has introduced a new piece of Smoke Alarm Legislation regarding smoke and CO2 alarms in rental properties.

This means, that all landlords are required by 1st October 2015 to ensure that their rental properties comply with the new legislation, which is…

• All rental properties are required to have a fitted smoke alarm, that works on each floor.
• Where a rental property has a solid fuel burning appliance (eg coal or wood) then the property must have a CO2 alarm fitted.
• At the start of each tenancy these alarms are to be tested and let in working condition.

If landlords do not adhere to the new Smoke Alarm Legislation update the local housing authority will issue them remedial notices. Civil penalties of up to £5,000 may be charged if the landlord continues to ignore the new legislation.

The majority of thefts are as a result of situations being taken advantage of; such as doors and windows being left open.

Whether you live in a freehold property such as a house or a flat in a block of flats, if you want to protect your property make sure all the doors and windows including communal doors and windows are shut when you are not at the property or have gone to bed. For further advice go to www.police.uk