Increased sales of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will be the result of forthcoming rental property legislation, but landlords should be encouraged by merchants to install more alarms than the new law will demand, a safety campaign advises.

From October 2015, proposed legislation will require private sector landlords to install working smoke alarms on each floor of their property, and a CO alarm will need to be installed where solid fuel appliances, such as log burners and coal fires, are present.

Backed by FireAngel, manufacturer of smoke and CO alarms, the ACT NOW! campaign advises private sector landlords on best practice, and the benefits of installing a more comprehensive package of smoke, CO and heat alarms.

ACT NOW! recommends that landlords install carbon monoxide alarms in any room at risk of potential leaks, and to also consider installing heat alarms in kitchens.

Demand for smoke, CO and heat alarms is expected to increase over the coming months, as landlords take steps to comply with the legislation and improve fire safety across their property portfolios, FireAngel says.

Kevin McCann, marketing manager, said: “Sadly, individuals are four times more likely to die in a house fire if there isn’t a working smoke alarm fitted, so this new legislation is another important step towards ensuring that more people and properties are protected from fire.

“However, there are further measures that can be taken to provide more effective protection in rented homes, which could still be at risk from CO. The legislation requires landlords to fit carbon monoxide alarms in all rooms with solid fuel appliances, but we’re encouraging landlords to go above and beyond this, by installing alarms in all rooms that could be at risk from deadly CO leaks.

“The ACT NOW! campaign is encouraging landlords to act in good time ahead of the regulations coming into force, and is advising property owners to think beyond the legislation and provide the optimum level of protection for both new and existing tenants.

“Builders’ merchants are well placed to assist landlords and trade professionals who are getting to grips with the new requirements and are looking for easy-to-install alarms from trusted fire safety brands.”

All smoke alarms installed must meet the relevant British Standards and landlords will be responsible for ensuring that all alarms are in full working order at the start of every new tenancy. Any landlord found to be breaching the regulations could receive a fine of up to £5,000.