New Law Coming!

Private rented properties now to be fitted with carbon monoxide alarms – even with gas boilers.

It was announced by the Government that all rented accommodation now require carbon monoxide alarms. The announcement means that providers are required by law to install smoke alarms in private rented properties with fixed appliances such as gas boilers or fires. This is a complete change to the previous regulation. It was previous that only 1% of boilers could emit carbon monoxide but the Government have decided that landlords should not now take the risk. The regulation charges require that carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted with all new appliances such as gas boilers or fires that are installed in any homes. Landlords in the private rented sector are to repair or replace smoke and carbon alarms when they are told they are faulty. This will all be part of the Social Housing White Paper published last year.

The White Paper set up a proposals for wide ranging reforms which will drive up standards. This includes tenants having a clear way to raise concerns and provide regulations for stronger powers to take enforcement actions.

The cost of new requirements to install and maintain the alarms will fall to the property owners. All landlords will now be obliged to ensure carbon monoxide alarms are installed in any room in their home to where there is a fixed combustion appliances including a gas boiler. Where a new fixed combusted appliance is installed, a carbon monoxide alarm is to be installed by law. Gas cooker appliances are currently excluded from the new rules.

The new key rules are as follows:

Smoke alarms will be mandatory in all rented homes.

Carbon monoxide alarms will be 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 a heating appliances (excluding gas cookers) through building regulations.

Landlords are expected to repair or replace alarms once they are informed that they are faulty.

The change regarding the smoke alarms. Previously it was down to the tenants to repair these it is now down to the landlords.

The Government will also amend the statutory guidance supporting part J of the building regulations. Relating to where alarms are fitted. Ensuring that alarms meet relevant standards.

The Government will amend smoke and carbon monoxide alarm (England) regulations 2015.

This will give another burden on landlords where as previously it has been down to tenants.

If you any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us in this regard.