Local landlords will be fined if they do not abide by new regulations to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their premises. But before the fines are set by Amber Valley Borough Council, residents are to be asked if they feel the proposed financial penalties are fair.

The Council will be exercising its powers to require landlords to pay a fine under The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015, and says the aims of the penalties will be to:

• change the behaviour of the individual landlord;

• send a strong statement about the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detection;
• eliminate any financial gain or benefit from non-compliance with the regulations;
• deter future non-compliance by the individual landlord; and
• recover the costs incurred by the Council in undertaking work in default.

Amber Valley Borough Council proposes that for a first offence of failing to install smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms, after being asked through a remedial notice, the fine applied will be £2,500 with an early payment discount of 50%. Any subsequent offences will attract a £5,000 fine with an early payment discount of £2,500.

An online survey is now asking local residents if they agree with this approach. Anyone can have their say by visiting www.ambervalley.gov.uk/smokecarbonconsult and completing the form.