Proposals for a law requiring all landlords to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have been announced.
According to an announcement from the housing minister, Brandon Lewis, all landlords will need to ensure their properties are fitted with these safety features. Accordingly, this will help to prevent 26 deaths and 670 injuries each year.
If approved, the new measures will come into force from October 2015 and have already garnered much support following a consultation on the condition of properties in the private rental sector.
Private landlords will get help from their local fire and rescue authorities in preparation of the law receiving access to free alarms and government funding.
Housing minister Brandon Lewis commented: “In 1988 just eight per cent of homes had a smoke alarm installed – now it’s over 90 per cent.
“The vast majority of landlords offer a good service and have installed smoke alarms in their homes, but I’m changing the law to ensure every tenant can be given this important protection.”
He added that it is however the tenant’s responsibility to ensure the alarms are in working order via regular testing.
The move is part of a wider push to improve public safety using a variety of methods that do not require regulation, which could lead to a rise in rental prices and a lack of available homes.