Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations for Landlords
Mon 15 Aug 2022
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE
We are writing to inform you that there has been an amendment to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations which comes into force on 1 October 2022. As a result of these regulations, we need to visit our rental properties to ensure that we comply with the amended regulations.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will come into force on 1 October 2022.
Position alarms on each storey of the property
1. Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.
Position alarms near all fixed combustion appliances
2. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
Repair or replace faulty appliances
3. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.
The Regulations require that these alarms are positioned correctly and tested properly and records kept to show compliance with these updated regulations before 1 October 2022. It is essential that the alarms are tested accurately as it involves more than simply pressing the test buttons as this checks that the batteries are working and the alarm is sounding, it does not test if the sensors are still detecting smoke or carbon monoxide. We will be testing the alarms using canisters of Carbon Monoxide Alarm tester and Smoke Alarm tester, recommended by the Fire Brigade, to safely test the sensors are working.
Annual gas safety check due?
If your property is due a gas safety check between now and 1st October the gas engineers will be asked to ensure they carry out the above checks. However, if your gas safety check is not due then we have arranged, for all of our managed properties, for a contractor to visit each property and check to ensure compliance with the law – there could be a penalty of up to £5000 for non-compliance with a local authority remedial notice.
For landlords with non-managed properties, if you would like us to include your rental property in the checks please let us know as soon as possible so we can liaise with your tenant.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.