LANDLORDS are being reminded to be prepared for a change in the law which will see them required to fit smoke alarms in properties being let.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is reminding landlords to act now ahead of the expected October implementation of the laws, which are going through Parliament.

Under the new laws, smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of any rented property and carbon monoxide alarms must also be fitted in properties with solid fuel fires or boilers.

Landlords must check the alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy, with potential penalties of up to £5,000 if they don’t comply.

To help landlords gear up for the new regulations, the government has provided every fire and rescue service with a limited number of free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to give out to relevant landlords.

Home safety manager Neil Chamberlain, of Wiltshire FRS, said: “We are now distributing the smoke alarms on a first come, first served basis and we would urge landlords to act to ensure that they are ready for the new law.”

The free alarms can be collected in Swindon, Trowbridge and Salisbury. Landlords who wish to claim their alarms should visit wiltsfire.gov.uk/smokealarmsforlandlords then download and complete the application form.