The Fitness for Human Habitation (Wales) Act comes into effect 15 July, and will affect all landlords, whether social or private.
The act identifies 29 hazards within the property where landlords need to meet minimum requirements.
The FFHH act requires a smoke alarm, in proper working order, to be present on every storey of a dwelling. Landlords must ensure that each of these alarms is in proper working order and interlinked with all other smoke alarms connected to the electricity supply.
Landlords may consider it appropriate to install more than one smoke alarm on each floor, along with a heat alarm in the kitchen. These additional alarms can be powered by mains or batteries. Any additional battery-powered alarms do not need to be interconnected, although, BS 5839-6 recommends interconnecting all alarms within the dwelling. The act signposts landlords to BS 5839-6 for recommended guidance on the installation of alarms
A carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in all rooms containing a fuel-burning appliance (including cookers). CO alarms can be mains or battery-powered and must comply with BS EN 50291. Siting should be carefully considered, as well as noting the expiry date of the alarm.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are offering free smoke alarms to assist in compliance with the updated legislation, and the rest of Wales’ fire services are on hand to assist with visits to properties.
The Act can be read in full here.