Legal update for landlords | May 2015

Smoke alarms

The Government recently announced new regulations which require private landlords to install and check smoke alarms from October of this year. In some instances carbon monoxide alarms may also be required. The draft regulations will apply to rented residential properties occupied on or after 1st October. However, licensed HMOs are excluded as are residential buildings already covered by regulations.

The regulations will require one smoke alarm to be fitted and working on each floor where there is accommodation. Any habitable rooms with solid fuel appliances will also require a CO monitor. Failure to comply with these regulations once implemented could carry a fine of up to £5,000.

Gas safety checks

It has been brought to our attention that some tenants are being told by local boiler repair companies that gas boilers require a specific carbon monoxide monitor which will turn off the boiler when gas leaks are detected. However, this is not a legal requirement.

Gas Safety Regulations require a landlord to;

  • Maintain pipe work, appliances and flues provided for use in a safe condition.
  • Carry out a 12 monthly gas safety check on each gas appliance/flue. A gas safety check will make sure gas fittings and appliances are safe to use.
  • Provide tenants with a record of the annual gas safety check within 28 days of the check being completed or for new tenants before they move in.

A gas safety check should include;

  • Checking the flue or chimney to make sure fumes are being safely removed to the outside of the property.
  • Checking there is an adequate supply of fresh air so the gas burns properly.
  • Checking the appliance is burning the gas properly.
  • Checking all safety devices are working properly and shutting the appliance off if a fault occurs.

Fire doors leading to communal areas

For some time, it has been a legal requirement that flat doors giving onto communal escape routes should be fire resistant for 30 minutes. The reasoning behind this law is that if there was a fire at your property and your fire door is not sufficiently fireproof the blaze may spread quickly and block off the escape route.

We have noticed in the last few months that Southend Council is checking this when called out by tenants to inspect properties and they are asking landlords to upgrade their properties accordingly.

The relevant legislation is the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. LACORS has produced a detailed guidance booklet which can be found here.

http://www.cieh.org/library/Knowledge/Housing/National_fire_safety_guidance_08.pdf

A lack of acceptable fire door may also cause problems with your insurance company, the council or the fire brigade. We have been upgrading the doors on our own properties for some time.

If you would like us to fit a fire door for you, the price is £399 inclusive of VAT. Please note this is subject to a thorough site inspection by a contractor who may recommend the frame is also upgraded at an additional cost. In most cases this is not necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, gas safety checks or fire doors, please contact a member of the Pace Lettings team. We are always happy to offer advice on legal compliance for landlords.

Crystal joined Pace in 2007 and was appointed to her current role of Managing Director in 2010, heading up the company founded by her father in 1994.

She is responsible for the daily operations of the business, whilst also ensuring the company is financially sound, has strategic direction and is planning for future growth.

Crystal takes a thoughtful and considered approach to all that she does, transferring her determination to deliver implicit care, attention and professionalism to every member of her team.

Pace employ 20 full time staff. Meet the key team members here.