Issue details

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 introduced new enforcement responsibilities for Thanet District Council.

The regulations require private sector landlords to:

·  Provide at least one smoke alarm on every storey of each of their rented properties;

·  Provide a carbon monoxide alarm in every room which contains a solid fuel burning appliance; and

·  Ensure that such alarms are in proper working order at the start of each new tenancy.

Failing to comply with the regulations may result in a penalty charge being imposed by the council. The setting of penalty charge amounts is at the discretion of the council; however, there is a statutory maximum of £5,000.

Before any penalty charges can be imposed, the council must first prepare and publish a statement of principles which it will follow when determining the amount of a penalty charge.