Regulations for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms have changed
Following a recent government consultation, the regulations for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms in England have been expanded for both privately and socially rented homes. The amendments seek to increase resident safety and bring more consistency to regulations between the rental sectors.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1 October 2015.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on 1 October 2022.
From 1 October 2022, all relevant landlords must:
Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their property where there is a room used as living accommodation. (This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.)
Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance such as boilers or wood burners (excluding gas cookers).
Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.
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.
These regulations should be considered alongside other relevant laws on fire and carbon monoxide safety in rented homes such as the Housing Act 2004, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022.
Information on the siting of alarms is available within the guidance of the relevant British Standards for installation. Any alarms used should be 3rd party certified to the relevant British Standards – BS EN 14604 for Smoke alarms and BS EN 50291 for Carbon Monoxide alarms.
How do landlords prove the alarms have been tested?
As with the previous regulations, smoke, heat & carbon monoxide alarms should be tested at the start of the tenancy and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to keep a well-documented record of when alarms are tested thereafter.
W.E.I. Compliance can undertake these tests and replace faulty or out of date alarms. Once completed we can provide a certificate showing the property is compliant.
It is recommended that an inventory be undertaken at the start of the tenancy which will include smoke, heat & carbon monoxide alarm testing. The inventory report will set out the condition of the alarms, and whether they need replacing.
Our clerks and engineers can complete the inventory report and alarm install or replacement in one visit, saving you time and money.
Here at W.E.I. we can check, install and upgrade your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, contact us now for a free quote.