MALVERN landlords have been urged to have smoke alarms fitted inside their properties or risk a fine of up to £5,000.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came in to force on Thursday (October 1) and require private sector landlords to have at least one device installed on every storey where a room is being used to wholly or partly live in.
A carbon monoxide alarm must also be fitted in any room with a solid fuel burning fire.
Regulations have been introduced as figures show almost 40 per cent of fire related deaths occur in properties without a working smoke alarm.
It is expected the change could prevent 26 deaths and 670 injuries a year.
Under the new rules Malvern Hills District Council will be able to serve a notice on private landlords to fit or repair alarms and if they do not comply could face the charge.
Coun Melanie Baker, portfolio holder for planning and housing on MHDC, said: “We have been working closely with landlords and tenants to prepare them for the changes as part of our overall efforts to improve property standards across the district.
“Our advice to any landlord who has properties which do not already have smoke alarms installed is to get them fitted as soon as possible as there is no grace period and the law will apply from October 1.”
Some properties are exempt from the law including social housing, student halls, long leases, hostels and refugees, care homes and certain NHS buildings.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/advice-and-guidance for a full list and more information.
