New smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules

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 some upcoming key changes to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.


Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules extended

In November 2021, the UK Government responded to its consultation on proposals to extend the rules for domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within all rented accommodation in England.

Following parliamentary approval both social and private rented sector (PRS) landlords will be legally required to repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once they have been informed that they are faulty, although testing throughout the duration of a tenancy will remain the resident's responsibility. 

All landlords will also now be obliged to ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in any room of their homes where there is a fixed combustion appliance (including a gas boiler). Where a new fixed combustion appliance is installed a carbon monoxide alarm will be required to be installed by law. Gas cooker appliances are excluded from the new rules.


The key changes are:

  • smoke alarms will be mandatory in all social rented homes
  • 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
  • landlords will be expected to repair or replace alarms once informed that they are faulty
 

The UK Government will also amend the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations relating to where alarms are fitted and to ensure that alarms meet relevant standards.

As soon as parliamentary time allows, the UK Government will amend the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. While there is no announcement of a date for this legislation to come into effect, it is recommended that landlords act now in preparation for the Government announcement.


Trust Quealy & Co Lettings to keep you updated

The team at Quealy & Co Lettings and Property Management will keep you further updated about the date of this legislation change when it is released by the UK Government.

Get in touch with your friendly Lettings team at Quealy & Co to ask any questions about your rental property or property management needs.

Call us on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk for a chat.

 

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