Mary-Anne Bowring 23/01/2024
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Smoke Alarm Knowledge
A new smoke alarm awareness campaign that benefits both landlords and tenants has been launched. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has been promoting ‘Let it, don’t forget it’. They launched a new video that targets private sector landlords and letting agents. This is to ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted in their rented properties.
The fire safety video emphasises the changes in the law that were introduced as long ago as 2015. The regulations within The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 require building owners to take responsibility for fire safety in their properties. At least 1 smoke alarm must be installed on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in any room that contains a solid fuel burning fire or stove.
What is the property owner obliged to do?
Property owners have more obligations. Either they, or their letting agent, have to make sure that all alarms function properly at the start of each new tenancy. No compliance may result in fines of up to £5000. We, at Ringley, suggest that landlords insist upon tenants signing the inventory when they move in. This is to confirm that the required alarms have been tested and that they are happy that they are functioning correctly. Tenants also need to be responsible for their own fire safety and they should test their alarms on frequent occasions .It is recommended that they do this monthly. It doesn't take long and it could be a life saver. If their alarm isn’t working they must inform the landlord immediately.
Meet our Expert Property Commentators
Mary-Anne Bowring FTPI FRICS FARLA FCABE Founder/Head of Asset Management
Strategic partnerships, holistic delivery/ opportunities, growth, value engineering, thought leadership
Ian Barber MD BTR Mobilisation & Leasing
Runs HQ & site lease-up teams. Drives rent pricing, mobilisation, marketing, happy residents!
Jon Curtis MRICS Head of Building Engineering
Chartered Building Surveyor. Lectures on EWS1 & building safety. Runs CapEx programmes.
Kate Robinson MTPI MD Blocks/FM Management (London Region)
Master plan setup, ops and staffing and resident engagement. ISO45001 champion.
Lee Harle Partner Ringley Law
Plot conveyancing. Debt litigation. Group Company Secretary.
Anthony Kingdon MIRPM AssocRICS MD Blocks/FM Management (North Region)
Stakeholder engagement. Mixed tenure specialist. Budget management. Plant audit, PPM compliance.
Chris Georgalis MRICS Head of Commercial Valuation
Chartered Valuer. Rental valuations: retail, leisure. IRR modelling and valuations for secured lending. Compulsory purchase & rent reviews
Nichola Pughe MRICS Head of Residential Valuation
Chartered Valuer. Rental development & mixed use valuations, IRR modelling. Leasehold enfranchisement specialist
Natalie Birmingham Helpdesk Support Manager
Trainer & Helpdesk Manager: people, systems,contractors. ISO45001 supply chain accreditation.
Steve Norman Planning Director
Land due diligence (opportunities & constraints) Has contributed to a number of award winning schemes.
