Mendip District Council is warning landlords to comply with changes to Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations - or face a £5,000 fine.

The new legislation affects all landlords with rental properties, and it states that landlords must:

• Ensure at least one smoke alarm is fitted on each storey where there is a room used as living accommodation.
• Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is in all rooms used as living accommodation where there are fixed combustible appliances, for example wood burners and gas or oil boilers.
• Ensure faulty smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services said: "We know our landlords would want to provide their tenants with safe and secure homes, so we would hope that they are aware of the changes in legislation and will act responsibly.

"House fires and Carbon Monoxide deaths are tragic but avoidable. Thankfully they are also rare. The installation of alarms in the right locations is a simple but significant way to avoid unnecessary harm to tenants and protects properties.

"The safety of our residents is paramount, and the Council will not hesitate to use its powers to fine landlords who do not comply with the new rules."

For more information on the changes to the regulations, please visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords

Our Private Sector Housing team are here to help, please call them on 0300 303 8588 or email: [email protected] or visit www.mendip.gov.uk/landlords.