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Inventory clerks can check smoke alarms
This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
A weight has been lifted off the shoulders of many landlords and letting agents, with the news that they can utilise the services of their inventory clerk to carry out mandatory checks on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
From October 1st 2015, landlords in England will be permitted to install smoke detectors on each floor of their property. In addition, carbon monoxide alarms must also be fitted in any room within rental accommodation with a fuel burning appliance, inclusive of open fires and wood burners.
Checks
The new regulations state that both of these alarms must be tested at the beginning of every tenancy on or before the 1st October. Any landlord who does not comply with the new legislation could be faced with a fine of up to £5,000. The requirements do not apply to renewed or statutory period tenancies.
However, there has been some confusion over the new rules and just who is able to carry out the necessary checks. Some landlords have raised concerns that they would have to employ a tradesman to undertake these actions.
Patricia Barber, chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks said that its own independent inventory clerks should be able to carry out the mandatory checks at the start of each tenancy if required.
Inventory clerks can check smoke alarms
Procedure
‘As part of an inventory compilation or check in procedure at the beginning of the tenancy, an AIIC independent inventory clerk will be able to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms for power where possible and report back any problems found,’ Barber explained.[1]
‘This then paves the way for landlords or their property managers to carry out subsequent checks during mid-term visits. While the majority of landlords and agents may already have some sort of procedure in place, hopefully this news will help to put some property professionals’ minds at ease, saving time and money,’ she continued.[1]
Concluding, Barber said, ‘as always we maintain the importance of making sure that any property inventory is carried out by an independent inventory clerk.’ She said that, ‘AIIC clerks are highly trained and can report the presence of each alarm a test for power at the start of the tenancy. A tenant will then be asked to sign a statement agreeing the clerk’s findings.’[1]
[1] http://www.propertywire.com/news/europe/uk-landlords-alarm-checks-2015092811026.html
