Carbon monoxide alarmAvon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) has welcomed the announcement that landlords will be required by law to install smoke alarms in their properties by the end of the year.

Last month, Housing Minister Brandon Lewis announced the introduction of measures that would require private sector landlords to install smoke alarms on each storey of their property and ensure they are working at the start of a tenancy. There will also be a requirement to install carbon monoxide alarms in the rooms considered most at risk.

Government figures suggest the move could result in up to 36 fewer fatalities and 1,529 fewer injuries over a 10 year period. The regulations are expected to come into effect in October 2015.

AF&RS Group Manager Matt Peskett said: “We know from experience that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives so we are very pleased that legislation is being introduced which will undoubtedly improve the safety of tenants in rented accommodation.

“With a growing number of people renting property in our local area, it is vital that there are measures in place to protect them in the event of a fire or build-up of carbon monoxide.

“We know that the vast majority of landlords offer a good service and already have working smoke alarms in their properties but this change in the law provides extra reassurance to tenants. We will work closely with all landlords to support them with the introduction of the legislation.”