Since 1 October 2022, it has been a legal requirement for domestic Landlords (both social and private rented sector) to ensure that a carbon monoxide alarm is supplied in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance such as a gas heater or boiler (excluding gas cookers). This update has replaced the previous 2015 regulations, which only required carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted in a room with a solid fuel combustion appliance such as a wood burner.
These new regulations do not affect the current regulations regarding smoke alarms in rented domestic properties, this remains that Landlords must ensure that at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their property where there is a room used as living accommodation. It is also a requirement to ensure that the alarm is in working order on the first day of the tenancy.
However, a further update has been made regarding faulty carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. These must now be repaired or replaced by the Landlord as soon as reasonably possible once notified by the Tenant and found that they are faulty.
The above regulations are to be enforced by local authorities who have the power to issue fines of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
It is important to ensure that all tenancies currently in place and any new tenancies have a compliant carbon monoxide detector and alarm fitted.
Please do contact one of the surveyors at Sworders for more information.
Abigail Wyatt