Sue Bridges Lettings urge landlords to ensure they are aware of the forthcoming changes to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations as they could come into effect as soon as Autumn 2022.
Under the current rules, since 1 October 2015 landlords have needed to ensure that a smoke alarm is fitted on every floor of their property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation.
They also must put a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where solid fuel is burnt, such as wood, coal or biomass and including open fires. It does not include gas, oil or LPG. Landlords or agents must ensure that the alarms work at the start of each new tenancy
The UK Government consulted in November 2020 seeking views on proposals to extend the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.
Following the consultation there would be the following key changes to the rules:
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 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
Smoke alarms will be mandatory in all social rented homes
All private landlords and registered providers of social housing who would not be compliant with these regulations at present should begin installation and repair of these alarms immediately, as they risk being fined for breaching the rules as soon as they come into force.
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