ENGLAND – SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS COMPULSORY FROM 1 OCTOBER 2022

New legislation for landlords is coming into force from October 1st 2022. The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 state that all rented properties must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms where there is any type of fixed combustion application, including gas boilers. Previously this requirement only applied to solid fuel combustion appliances, such as wood burning stoves. However, they have not been extended to gas cookers.

A smoke alarm must also be fitted on every floor of a rented property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation.

Changes from 1 October 2022 mean that when a tenant (or a tenant's nominated representative) reports that an alarm may not be in proper working order and is found not to be, the alarm must be repaired or replaced as soon as reasonably practicable.

The Regulations only oblige landlords to check that alarms are in working order on the first day of a new tenancy. However, alarms should be tested before a tenancy commences to avoid any impact.

For further advice you can contact us at hello@hillslettings.co.uk.