I'm a bit puzzled by this government legislation that's come into effect since 1st October.
I've been happily (well, grumpily) self-assessing my fire risk 'obligations' and doing weekly tests of my Fire and CO alarms, (of course I do!
Where did I put that log book?...) but I've had a letter from the Agent who does my bookings and apparently this applies to everybody who lets out properties, even us humble cottage owners -
A full risk assessment must be carried out annually in accordance with LACORS recommendations by a "suitably qualified assessor who is commercially approved and insured."
"All fire detection systems must meet the minimum criteria as set out in the new regulations. Smoke detection equipment must be present on each of the floors and meet assessor's approval together with Carbon Monoxide detectors fitted to all floors where there is fossil fuel burning.
It is now a legal responsibility for owners to ensure that fire detection systems such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tested prior to the commencement of each new tenancy and a log is kept in a safe place which may be required for inspection."
Yikes! I hope I'm wrong, but the "Annual" inspection "carried out by a suitably qualified assessor" doesn't sound like it'll be a government freebie and unless I (or all of us to whom it pertains) don't comply, it'll probably affect our insurance in the event of a claim.
I was quite happy with Self Assessment practices - my place is low risk. This just feels like more government bullying. Grrr.
Oh, BTW - Hi everyone. Might have known my first 'post' would be a grumble.. Ah well, may as well start as I mean to go on!
Life is a deck of cards... read 'em and weep