Council faces criticism for lack of smoke alarms
1 year ago | 7 comments
New smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm laws for NI landlords
12:01 AM, 4th December 2024, 1 year ago
8
All private rental properties in Northern Ireland must now comply with stricter fire safety regulations.
These new rules, implemented on December 1, aim to reduce the risk of fire-related injuries, deaths and property damage in rental properties.
The law affecting all new tenancies came into effect on 1 September, but it now covers all existing tenancies.
Smoke alarms must be fitted in the room which is used most frequently for ‘general daytime living purposes’ – and there must be one fitted in every storey’s circulation space.
Along with smoke alarms, all rented homes in Northern Ireland must now meet the requirements for heat and carbon monoxide alarms.
Installing alarms
Landlords are responsible for installing the following alarms in their rental properties:
- Smoke alarm: One smoke alarm in the main living room and on every floor’s circulation space (halls and landings). In some cases, a heat alarm may be used instead of a smoke alarm near an open fireplace
- Heat alarm: A heat alarm must be installed in every kitchen
- Carbon monoxide alarm: A carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room or hallway containing a fixed combustion appliance or a flue.
Interlinked alarms
The smoke and heat alarms within a property must be interlinked.
This means if one alarm detects a fire, all alarms will sound, alerting everyone in the building of potential danger.
While interlinking carbon monoxide alarms is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended for improved safety.
Failure to comply with these new regulations can result in legal action against landlords.
Landlords who neglect to install the required alarms could face fines of up to £2,500 or a fixed penalty of £500.
Tags:
carbon monoxide alarms, Fire Safety, heat alarms, Landlord regulations, Northern Ireland, rental properties, smoke alarms
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Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 205
9:33 AM, 5th December 2024, About 1 year ago
The idiots that mandated this requirement (5 interlinked alarms in an average size house) said the impact on landlords would be less than £200 per property.
As expected, they had no clue and it ended costing nearer £450, PLUS increased maintenance costs for ever.
And the beauty of it was, the way the bill was worded, landlords had to scrap any existing perfectly functional smoke and fire alarms in the properties.
Dont you just love government? No need to be prudent when its other peoples money.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 26
5:17 PM, 6th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Although it was frustrating that existing alarms had to be disregarded, I completed our installs for less than £200. I would have seriously questioned any quotes above that.
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 205
11:02 AM, 7th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Ann at 06/12/2024 – 17:17
Hopefully your contractor didnt install cheap Chinese tat that will cost more in maintenance than it saved you.
My properties are managed, and that is the price the estate agents charged me.
Well done if you got a “real” bargain.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 26
11:40 AM, 7th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by David100 at 07/12/2024 – 11:02
I purchased the alarms myself, so, they were not cheap tat. It was the real cost rather than a “real” bargain. Unfortunately for you, your EA has basically billed you an extra £250 for them to arrange it. Profitable ‘work’ for them if the EA was able to fleece multiple landlords with that service.
The EA has ripped you off more than the Gov, in this instance.
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 205
12:27 PM, 7th December 2024, About 1 year ago
If you bought the (five off per house) alarms for £100, and got a guy to install them for £100 (for example), then they were Chinese for sure.
They might last, they might not.
If mine break tomorrow then I can call the contractor to replace them for free (under warranty).
Its horses for courses. I dont want constant hassle.
Its a business, not a hobby.
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 205
12:51 PM, 7th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Ann at 07/12/2024 – 11:40
Hopefully, you did not install one of those cheap systems from Amazon. When the legislation came out, I checked what I could buy on Amazon, but could not find any that had the relevant legally required BS (British Standards Tested) kitemarks.
If you installed systems without the kitemarks, then you are leaving yourself open to huge liabilities.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 26
1:12 PM, 7th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by David100 at 07/12/2024 – 12:27
The alarms are from a UK manufacturer and adhere to the relevant standards.
I’m uncertain of your original complaint now. A figure was given as the approximate cost to adhere to the legislation, you stated it would cost a lot more. I’ve only illustrated it was possible to do so, for the costs quoted in the Gov statement.
You’ve chosen to pay significantly more to a 3rd party to arrange this as, you don’t want the hassle and are happy with the cost, that’s absolutely your prerogative. But, it is possible to be compliant without spending as much.
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 782
4:18 PM, 8th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Would fitting these myself invalidate the EICR?