Labour’s Islwyn MP Chris Evans has lent his support to the Fire Safety (Protection of Tenants) Bill, a Private Members’ Bill currently going through Parliament.
If passed, the new law would require the hard-wiring of smoke alarms in all social and private rented accommodation.
Mr Evans said: “Fire kills six times more people than carbon monoxide poisoning and electrocution put together. On average, 13 people die in fires every year in South Wales and almost 400 are injured.
“Making fire alarms a requirement in the rented sector would make a real difference and it should be for landlords, including local Councils, to ensure that tenants’ homes are protected, not the other way around.
“This proposed law is urgently needed and serves as a perfect example of the vital role that the state can play in people’s lives. I hope that the Tories will change their minds and support the Bill.”