‘Inventory clerks can check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms’ - AIIC

28 September 2015 11896 Views

Landlords can use the services of an inventory clerk to carry out checks of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties, the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) has confirmed.

From Thursday (October 1) landlords in England will be required to install smoke detectors on every floor of their property where someone is living or partially living.
Carbon Monoxide alarms must also be fitted in any room within a rented property where there is a solid fuel-burning appliance, including open fires and wood burners. 

Both of these alarms must be tested at the start of every tenancy beginning on or after October 1.

This checking requirement, however, does not apply to renewed or statutory periodic tenancies.

The AIIC says that some landlords have raised concerns about how and when their alarms can be checked and whether they will have to hire someone to carry out the tests. 

Patricia Barber, Chair of the AIIC, has confirmed that AIIC independent inventory clerks should be able to carry out these checks at the outset of a tenancy if required.

“As part of an inventory compilation or check in procedure at the beginning of the tenancy, an AIIC independent inventory clerk will be able to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms for power where possible and report back any problems found,” she says. 

“This then paves the way for landlords or their property managers to carry out subsequent checks during mid-term visits.”

“While the majority of landlords and agents may already have some sort of procedure in place, hopefully this news will help to put some property professionals' minds at ease, saving time and money.”

She adds that AIIC clerks can report the presence of each alarm and test for power at the start of the tenancy. A tenant will then be asked to sign a statement agreeing the clerk’s findings.

The association recently announced details of two new training courses taking place in the next few months. Full booking details can be found at: https://www.theaiic.co.uk/product-category/training/.