LANDLORDS in County Durham and Darlington are being urged to act now to ensure they are ready for new safety laws aimed at saving dozens of lives a year.

The regulations make it compulsory for all landlords to fit smoke alarms in rented homes and are expected to come into effect from October 2015, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Under the new laws smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor of the property as well as carbon monoxide alarms in properties which burn solid fuels.

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

To help landlords gear up for the new regulations the Government has provided County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service with a limited number of free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to give out to relevant landlords.

Stuart Errington, deputy chief fire officer for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are keen to work with local landlords to improve the safety of tenants across our area.”

“We have a limited number of carbon monoxide alarms which will be allocated to landlords whose properties use solid fuel, up to a maximum of 10 per landlord.

“These alarms will be allocated as part of an overall free home fire safety check on each property.

“I would urge landlords to take action to comply with the new regulations and if they need advice they should contact us by email csenquiries@ddfire.gov.uk or phone 0845 2234221.

“Of course once the alarms are fitted it is important for tenants to test them regularly, ideally once a week, by pushing the red button on the alarm.”