22nd
Feb 2015
The collective Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) in England and Wales, are demanding that a law that gained parliament agreement in 2013 should now be changed. The change would make it mandatory for all landlords to install smoke alarms into those homes that they are privately renting out.
The present situation is that the only landlords who must by law install smoke alarms, are those who are renting out HMOs, (Houses in Multiple Occupation). The legislation to make it mandatory or all landlords, is still in a parliamentary consultation process since 2013. NOTE some councils will make installation of fire alarms a requirement of being issued a licenced to rent your property [Liverpool being the latest to do so as part of their licencing scheme]
Despite government facts saying that people are more than four times at risk from dying in home fires if they haven’t a smoke alarm instilled, there are still 3.5 million privately rented homes which do not have a legal requirement to have one installed.
Chair of CFOA’s (Chief Fire Officers’ Association), Home Safety Committee DCFO Mark Cashin said: "While death and injuries from fires have reduced considerably in recent years, the majority of victims continue to be those who are most vulnerable, often living in private rented accommodation.
"This change would improve the safety of families and stop dozens of people from losing their lives to fire each year. The cost to landlords is small, with a ten year sealed alarm costing around £15."
Cllr Jeremy Hilton, Chair of the Local Government’s Fire Services Management Committee, said: "Many people will be shocked that most landlords are not obliged to install smoke alarms. The current laws are outdated and inadequate - and without question lives are being put at risk.
"While the majority of private landlords are reputable and voluntarily install alarms, there are a small minority who don’t, needlessly putting lives at risk. They have a duty of care to ensure their tenants are safe. This is why we are calling on the Government to enact the law and ensure all private landlords install smoke alarms – and save hundreds of lives every year.
"In the meantime, we would urge anyone who hasn't got one fitted already to make sure they are not needlessly putting themselves at risk of the death and destruction fire can cause by getting in touch with their local fire & rescue service requesting a home safety check."
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