LOCAL lettings agent Connells in Hereford is advising landlords to ensure all their properties are fitted with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms due to a law change set for this autumn. The new law, which states that all landlords are responsible for the installation of working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their properties, is expected to take effect from October 10, 2015.

The new regulation, which is part of a government scheme to ensure the safety of tenants, requires landlords to install working alarms on every level of their properties, to test the alarms at the beginning of every tenancy, and to replace the alarms when they stop working. Tenants are therefore expected, once living in their rented property, to carry out regular tests and let their landlord know if their smoke alarms have stopped working.

"We recommend that all our landlords make sure their properties have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted before October this year, or they could face a penalty of up to £5,000," says Nicola Stretton, lettings manager at Connells Hereford "We pride ourselves on the good service that we offer to both landlords and tenants, so we feel it is within our duties to keep them informed of changes such as this."

Connells is a large and well-regulated, ARLA-qualified letting agent which conducts professional inventories, provides a tailor made approach and is a member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. The Hereford branch offers a range of lettings services and advice, from matching tenants to their ideal properties to full property management, rent collection and insurance.

For more information please call the Hereford branch on 01432 272413 or email herefordlet@connells.co.uk.