Amid fears "rogue" landlords are putting lives at risk, the London Fire Brigade is offering tenants in private rented properties free smoke alarms.

Since October last year private landlords are legally obliged to fit smoke alarms on each floor of rented properties and carbon monoxide alarms.

The Government made a number of fire alarms free to be given out by fire and rescue services to help landlords meet the new regulations.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “But we are concerned some rogue landlords in areas of the capital most at risk from fire are not only ignoring the new legislation, but also our free alarm offer, putting those vulnerable tenants in danger.”

The brigade said statistics show people are four times more likely to die in a house fire if there is no smoke alarm.

Dave Brown, director of operations said: “Despite offering private landlords in London's most at risk areas free smoke alarms, very few have come forward to take us up on the offer.

“If you have already reminded your landlord about the new legislation and they still haven't provided you with alarms we would urge tenants to apply to the brigade to see if they are eligible for them.”

  • Find out if you are eligible here.