HARINGEY Council has been slammed for “failing” to fine landlords who do not install smoke alarms in rented homes.

Lib Dem councillors say they are worried after they sent a member’s enquiry last week, which asked how many landlords had been given a penalty for not ensuring smoke or carbon monoxide detectors were fitted.

The new law, which was introduced by the government last year, gives the council the responsibility to check whether landlords are installing smoke alarms in rented properties.

If they fail to do so, the council can issue fines up to £5,000.

It was revealed no fines or enforcement notices had been issued since the beginning of October and the council was still in the process of setting up and agreeing the penalty notice charge.

Cllr Gail Engert, Haringey Lib Dem leader, admitted this discovery was concerning.

She said: “Fires in residential properties are very dangerous and cause hundreds of deaths and injuries every year.

“People living in rented or shared accommodation are seven times more likely to have a fire, so it is particularly important that alarms are fitted in rented homes.

“Responsible landlords have already installed fire alarms and the Labour-run council should be taking action against those who have failed to fit smoke alarms.”

Ms Engert added the council had “no excuse” not to take action against property-owners, as the law was introduced months ago.

She said: “The London Fire Brigade is also offering free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, so there is no excuse for landlords who haven’t fitted an alarm.

“This new law was passed so councils could act against irresponsible landlords and ensure renters live in safe homes with fire alarms.

“The Labour-run council should be using the powers they have been given, it is over six months since the legislation came into force, so they have had plenty of time to act.”

Iris Teichmann, a Homes for Haringey spokesperson said: “We take fire safety extremely seriously, and it’s nonsense to suggest we are not taking action against landlords who fail to comply with the law.

“We will prosecute landlords where necessary, but our priority is always safety, which means we work with landlords and tenants to quickly get fire alarms and escape routes installed rather than take lengthy legal action as a first measure.”