Half have not fitted fire alarm, claim tenants

27 August 2015

Half of landlords have not installed a fire alarm and 70% have not fitted a carbon monoxide alarm in rental premises, according to a survey of tenants.

Eighty-five per cent agree that the government should do more to protect people who rent from private landlords.

Darrell Sansom, managing director at AXA Business Insurance, said: “There is goodwill between landlords and their tenants and our research shows that rental home horror stories and negative stereotypes are few and far between.

“Having said that, we know that more and more people are slipping into the landlord role through circumstance rather than design, and it seems that despite a positive approach and good intentions, many are simply not aware of all of their safety responsibilities.  

“Good relationships are built on trust and teamwork but it’s also important to remember that as a landlord you do have an extra duty of care, a legal responsibility for gas, electrical and fire safety and an obligation to protect yourself and your tenant - so it’s important that you understand all of your responsibilities and double check you have done everything necessary to protect both people and property.”

*The survey of 485 adults renting homes across the UK was carried out for AXA Business Insurance by One Poll in April 2015.