Private landlords could face a fine of £500 if they fail to fit working smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors.

East Cambridgeshire District Council issued the warning this week following publication of a statement of principles following introduction of new laws in 2015.

The council is warning landlords that if they find a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide is not in place they will be given 28 days in which to comply.

Failure to comply could result in a £500 fine for the first offence (with a £100 discount if paid within 14 days of notice), £1,000 for second offences and a maximum of £5,000 for third and subsequent offences.

The level of fines are “considered justified as the cost of compliance for landlords is minimal, and risk to life is high if there is evidence of continued failure to comply,” says a report to the regulatory and support services committee.

The report even notes how the fine is worked out - £500 would cover six hours of officer time (at £40 per hour), the £100 cost of purchasing an alarm and for fitting it, and a £160 fine.

The fines are being put in place in relation to The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations, which came into force in October 2015.

Private sector landlords are required to test the alarms at the start of each tenancy. But after the initial test, if battery operated alarms are in place, tenants are responsible for replacing batteries throughout their tenancy period.

“Landlords must ensure that checks are made to ensure that each alarm is in proper -working order on the day the tenancy begins,” the report says.

The committee is expected to approve the proposed penalty charges at a meeting on Monday.