4.1 If the local authority is satisfied, on balance of probabilities, that a landlord has breached the duty to comply with the remedial notice within 28 days, the authority must arrange for remedial action to be taken, where the occupier consents.
4.2 This is to ensure that tenants are protected by working alarms and may involve installing a required alarm, repairing an installed alarm or checking an installed alarm is in proper working order. The decision on whether to install a ‘hard wired’ or battery operated alarm, will be carried out on a case by case basis.
4.3 The local authority can impose a civil penalty of up to £5,000 on landlords who do not comply with the remedial notice.
4.4 Where a local authority intends to impose a penalty, it must give written notice of its intention to do so – ‘a penalty charge notice’. This sets out certain required information including the reasons for the penalty, the amount of the penalty, and that the landlord is required, within a specified period, to pay the penalty charge or request a review.
4.5 There is no other provision within the regulations for the enforcement authority to redeem costs for any remedial works carried out. Collection of the civil penalty fine is the only method.