South Yorkshire landlords are being urged to act now to ensure they comply with new safety laws aimed at saving lives.

From 1 October, all private landlords must now fit smoke alarms on each floor of their rental properties and install carbon monoxide alarms in rooms containing solid fuel burners – such as cookers and heaters – or face a £5,000 fine.

To help landlords gear up for the new regulations, the Government has provided fire services with a limited number of free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to give out to relevant landlords. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue is giving away smoke alarms to eligible landlords at two events whilst stocks last.

Station Manager Spencer Rowland, said: “The private rented sector provides homes for some of the county’s most vulnerable groups and there is no doubt that these regulations will make privately rented accommodation safer and save lives.

“We want to help South Yorkshire’s private landlords meet their fire safety responsibilities under this new law and would urge them to apply for their free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms well in advance of the new laws coming into force this October.

“Tenants can also play a part in taking responsibility for their own safety by reminding their landlords about the new legislation if there are no smoke or carbon monoxide alarms in their home.”

The two ‘safety in the home’ events where private landlords can collect alarms for a maximum of 10 properties are being held at the fire service training centre, Beaver Hill Road, Sheffield on Friday 16 October and Saturday 24 October from 10am to 4pm.