LANDLORDS are being urged to check their smoke and gas detectors ahead of a proposed change in law.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has welcomed the introduction of a law which it says could save dozens of deaths and more than 1,300 injuries each year.

The new rules would make it mandatory for private landlords to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all of their properties.

The Government has announced that the law will come into effect in October and it specifies that alarms must be installed on every floor of the property and tested before any new tenancy.

Additionally carbon monoxide alarms must be placed in every room deemed “high risk”, such as those with gas fires or boilers.

Ty Whitlock, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service group manager, said: “Although most private landlords do already have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed, this announcement by the Government will ensure every property will have them in future.

“We would therefore urge landlords to check their properties and ensure they have the necessary smoke and carbon monoxide detection on every floor of their properties.”

Residents living in private rented accommodation are also advised to consider their home safety and advice can be found on the websites of both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’s fire services.

For more information visit hantsfire.gov.uk.