When it comes to fire safety, it is important that tenants know what they should expect of their landlords, and vice versa.

Advice for tenants

The Housing Act 2004 governs housing conditions and standards in rented properties – the local housing authority then enforces these standards.

As a tenant, it is your responsibility to check your smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors on a weekly basis.

Should a rented property be without such detectors, you should contact your local housing authority, as it is likely that your landlord is breaking the law.

Local authorities will have the power to fine landlords up to £5,000 for failure to comply.

Advice for landlords

Landlords have to fit working smoke alarms on every level of any properties they own.

carbon monoxide detectors must then be fitted in rooms which have a solid fuel appliance – such as an open fire or log burner.

By law, you must also have all gas appliances serviced once a year by a ‘Gas Safe’ registered engineer.

You can find out more about smoke and Carbon monoxide alarms here, on the Government’s website.