Figures released in 2012 showed that people are four times more likely to die in a fire where there is no smoke alarm or where an alarm is fitted but not working.

Under the Private Rented Sector Code, there was already a requirement for rental property to have both smoke alarms and CO alarms fitted. However, from October 1 this year, this requirement has become law.

All lettings properties in England, either with existing or new tenancies, are now obliged to ensure a working smoke alarm is fitted on every level of a rental property and that a fully operational CO alarm is fitted in every room containing a solid fuel burning appliance – ie, a room which contains an open fire, solid-fuel cooker or room heater, multi-fuel stove/fire or gravity feed boiler. These regulations were only passed in September leaving very little time for landlords to comply.

For properties which are currently tenanted, tenants have obligations, too. Once a tenanted property is fully compliant, the responsibility for regularly checking both alarms are in full working order lies with the tenant.

While the growing legislation in the rental sector is good news in terms of raising the quality of accommodation on offer, its increasing complexity can make it difficult for landlords to keep track of changes If a property is managed by an agent such as Savills, checks are to be made on a landlord's behalf. For non-managed properties, however, the responsibility remain with the landlord.

If local authorities are notified that a property does not comply with these regulations, landlords will be issued with a remedial notice which will allow them 28 days to comply or face a civil penalty fine of up to £5,000.

Further information

For more information and advice on letting your property, contact Savills Lettings.