The government is set to review the rules around carbon monoxide alarms in rented homes, checking that it remains fit for purpose.
Following the introduction of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 all private sector landlord are required to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties as well as a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. a coal fire or wood burning stove). It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure all alarms are in working order at the start of each tenancy.
The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) have commented that they are set to review the rules around carbon monoxide alarms this year although no date has yet been confirmed. It is possible that it will be made compulsory to install carbon monoxide alarms in all rented homes where solid fuel is burned, therefore extending the regulations to cover all heating methods, inclusive of gas and oil.
The review will also look into whether the cost of alarms is affecting installation rates and the number of cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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