Regulations introduced in 2015 requiring landlords to protect their tenants against potential harm from carbon monoxide and fire have been amended and are due to come into force on 1 October 2022. In this article we detail the current requirements and what is about to change with The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2022/9780348234978
Installation Of Smoke Alarms And Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Currently: The regulations require that private rented sector landlords, as from 1 October 2015, must have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their rental property which is used as living accommodation. They must also have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used.
From 1 October 2022: Smoke alarms will become mandatory in social and private rented homes. Carbon monoxide alarms will be required to be fitted in rooms in social and private rented properties with fixed combustion appliances such as gas boilers or fires (but not cookers)
Faulty Alarms
Currently: If a tenant finds that their alarm(s) are not in working order at any point during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange the replacement of the batteries or the alarm itself with the landlord.
From 1 October 2022: Landlords will be required to repair or replace any alarms once they have been informed that they are faulty. The replacement of any batteries in the alarms will remain the responsibility of the tenant during the time that they are living in the property.
In addition, under the changes, the UK Government will also amend the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations which relates to where alarms are fitted and to ensure that alarms meet relevant standards.
The legislation comes into force on 1 October 2022 and our lettings teams will be working with our landlord clients to identify the most appropriate method of ensuring that all properties remain compliant with the updated regulations.
