News

Residential Landlords: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022

Posted: 18/06/2022

The Government has released a Draft Statutory Instrument that subject to Parliament’s approval (highly anticipated without amendment) will introduce new laws surrounding the installation and upkeep of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in rental accommodation. Landlords will be aware of the existing requirements for the correct fitting of smoke detectors to each habitable floor in line with legislation which has been in place since 2015. However, the new regulations make significant additional obligations in respect of carbon monoxide detectors quoted as:

“a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (which is a wider duty to the previous requirement for a carbon monoxide alarm to be equipped in any room which contains a solid fuel-burning combustion appliance) except for gas cookers.”

The new laws are expected to be implemented from 1st October 2022.

With legislation also extending to other housing sectors, and indeed falling at the same time that new legal requirements in Wales are being implemented, there is potential for a shortage of available detectors, or a rise in their standard market costs – particularly given current global supply issues. We are therefore recommending landlords to take action at the earliest opportunity to ensure portfolios remain compliant at the stated backstop date.

Walker Singleton are advising as best practice that CO detectors are installed adjacent to all fixed combustion appliances within rented accommodation. Our full property management services include overseeing full compliance – speak to one of our dedicated negotiators for further advice/information and to see how we can help.