Pre-Tenancy: Property Alarms
LANDLORD ACADEMY
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Whether you’re a new or an existing landlord we all know that rules and regulations in property are constantly changing and you are responsible for their implementation.
Welcome to Connect UK’s ‘Landlord Academy’ – here to answer all your property questions.
The law states, that in a regular buy to let property, smoke alarms must be supplied and fitted on each floor of the property. So, for a standard three-bedroom house you would find a smoke alarm both on the ground and first floor.
A carbon monoxide alarm is only required, by law, if a property contains a solid fuel-burning appliance such as a wood burner, coal fire or biomass. Even though it is not yet law, it is extremely advisable to fit a carbon monoxide alarm in your rental property wherever the boiler is situated.
All alarms should be fitted and tested by the tenancy start date and checked regularly.
If you own a HMO property, then the rules are slightly different. It is advised that a smoke alarm should be fitted in EVERY room of the property including communal areas. These alarms should be linked and most definitely hard-wired.
If you are unsure on the rules for your HMO in your area then your local council will be able to confirm this for you.