We want to tell you about the upcoming changes to Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations. From October 1st 2022, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (amendment) Regulations come into force. This is a follow on from the regulations brought into effect in 2015.
From that date, all relevant landlords must:
- Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.
- Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
- Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.
The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
As well as ensuring alarms are installed, landlords are required to repair or replace any faulty smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms as necessary.
Further reading
Our branches stock industry leading expert Aico products so we are ready for all your smoke/carbon monoxide needs. It’s also well worth keeping an eye on our business hub page for any update or information about this change.
Further reading on the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm regulations can be found below and on the Propertymark website.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Best Practice
Where do carbon monoxide alarms need to be installed?
The regulations do not stipulate where the alarms should be placed. However best practice advice is a CO alarm should be installed in every room which is used as a living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
Who is responsible for testing the alarms or changing batteries?
Testing of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms should be straightforward for tenants to do. Landlords, consider informing your tenants how often to test alarms with a demonstration or instructions.
Landlords will also be responsible for repairing or replacing faulty alarms. However, tenants should replace alarm batteries where possible. If tenants are unable to replace the batteries themselves, they should report this to the landlord.
Which tenancies are exempt from these regulations?
Selected tenancies are excluded from the amended regulations, this includes:
- Shared accommodation with a landlord or landlord’s family
- Long leases
- Student halls of residence
- Hotels and refuges
- Care homes
- Hospitals and hospices
- Low cost ownership homes
- Other accommodation relating to health care provision
