Just 57 per cent of tenant are certain that they have working smoke alarms in their rental properties, according to new research from SpareRoom.

Since the 1st October 2015, landlords have been required to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties. However, just 49 per cent of tenants are aware of the changes to the law.

Worryingly, 15 per cent of tenants surveyed claim not to have smoke alarms in their homes at all, whilst 16 per cent have alarms but are not convinced that they work. Not all of the issues are down to the landlord however, with 7 per cent of tenants opting to remove the batteries from their smoke detector, thus endangering themselves.

Director of SpareRoom, Matt Hutchinson, said: ‘Fitting working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is now a legal requirement for landlords, yet half remain none the wiser. Professional landlords are the most likely to be clued up on this regulatory change, but the government will have its work cut out to educate those who don’t already have working alarms in their properties to make them aware of the new rules. The new regulations will help prevent up to 26 deaths and 670 injuries a year according to the government, but current awareness among landlords is worryingly low.’

He continued: ‘However, fire safety isn’t just the landlord’s responsibility. The fact that 7% of tenants have taken the batteries out of their smoke alarm is a real worry. Tenants have to do their bit to keep themselves, their housemates, and the property, safe.’

Click here to read the original article “Landlords – Check Your Smoke Alarms”

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