New smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules 2022

It is vital landlords plan for the future, but when legislation changes and updates so frequently, we understand it can be difficult to do so.

At Quealy & Co we understand the challenges landlords face, and we want to help you make informed decisions about your investment(s). We wany to help you better understand the property market, and we will help you comply with all industry regulations.

In this article the Quealy & Co Lettings & Property Management team would like to make landlords aware of the following important changes.

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The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations

From 1 October 2022, the Government is amending The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations to require rental properties to install a  carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

A carbon monoxide alarm will also be required by law whenever a new fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) is installed. The law will legally obligate landlords to repair or replace alarms if informed they are faulty. Testing the alarms will remain the tenant’s responsibility.

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What is mandatorily required of landlords in the Carbon Monoxide Legislation?

• Carbon monoxide alarms will be mandatory in all rooms with a fixed combustion appliance i.e. boiler, gas fires, open fires, and log burners (excluding gas cookers & hobs) 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.
• Private and social landlords will be expected to repair or replace alarms once informed that they are faulty
• All devices need to be fitted (not just delivered) by 1st October 2022, as landlords are at risk of being fined for breaching the rules as soon as they come into force

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How to comply with the new Carbon Monoxide Legislation?

• To ensure legal compliance, do follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions.
• Unfitted carbon monoxide devices, from the 1st October 2022 onwards, will not comply with legislation.
• Please note that all open/log fires or solid burning fuel appliances have required carbon monoxide alarms since 2015. If these are missing or are out of date, then they will also need to be replaced.

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Trust Quealy & Co Lettings to keep you updated

The team at Quealy & Co Lettings and Property Management will keep you further updated about the legislation changes. Ensure you are registered for our newsletters to be the first to hear about legislation changes in the industry. Call us on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.