The government has announced that carbon monoxide alarms are to be fitted in all private rental properties with fixed combustion appliances such as gas boilers or fires.
This amendment to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 will see all rental properties within England needing a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in any room that is used as living accommodation that has a ‘fixed combustion appliance’ of any fuel type (excluding gas cookers).
Previously the requirement only applied to properties with rooms containing solid fuel appliances such as a coal fire or wood burning stove.
The new regulations will also mean that in future carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted when new appliances such as gas boilers or fires are installed in any home.
Interestingly, social housing will also be brought into scope for the first time.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide (CO2) is a highly toxic gas that is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and non-irritating. It is also poisonous and can be fatal. The warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
The change in legislation is seen as a positive move towards reducing fire and carbon monoxide casualties and fatalities, and in bringing consistency and greater protection to those living in rented homes.
The Main Changes Are:
- Smoke alarms will become mandatory in all social rented homes (they are already mandatory in the private rented sector)
- Carbon monoxide alarms will become mandatory in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) in both private and social rented homes
- Carbon monoxide alarms will also be mandatory upon installation of any heating appliance (excluding gas cookers) in all tenures through building regulations
- Landlords will be expected to repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once informed that they are faulty
The costs for the supply and fit of carbon monoxide detectors tends to be minimal, and at Horizon Lets we welcome the new regulations as part of our commitment to providing safe rental homes for tenants. Private landlords have been required since 2015 to provide working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors where applicable in rented property, and the extension of the regulations to encompass gas boilers is a sensible amendment.
Of course, it also makes sense for landlords to make their properties as good as possible to maximise their attractiveness and longevity of their investment. Some landlords already install a CO2 detector near the boiler, as a matter of course across their portfolio.
The legislation will become law later this year, but we recommend checking properties and fitting carbon monoxide alarms now rather than waiting until the last minute. Several industry insiders are predicting a rush on alarms, and we would not want you to be caught up in supply chain issues. Consider the demands of the huge social housing sector on supplies and you get the picture!
If you have any questions, please contact our team today to see how we can help you manage your property.
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