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Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules in rented accommodation

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules in rented accommodation

The UK Government announced on the 23rd November 2021 its proposals to extend the rules for domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within all rented accommodation in England.

Following parliamentary approval, the social and private rental 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 the tenancy will remain the tenant’s responsibility.

All landlords will also 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 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.

Andrew Luxton MRICS FARLA, Partner in charge of Residential Lettings for Stags, comments that this will be a welcome amendment and that, finally, the regulations that have applied to the private rented sector will apply to the social rented sector. We also agree that the proposal for legislation to be amended to create an obligation for landlords to replace alarms once informed that they are faulty is a welcome amendment.

As part of Stags’ services to its landlord clients, compliance checks to include smoke alarms and carbon monoxide regulations form part of the service that is provided and, under the terms of their fully managed services, will be continually monitored throughout the tenancy. If you require any advice with regards to any aspect of letting and managing your property then contact one of our offices.