23rd
Nov 2021
The government has just announced that CO2 alarms must be fitted in every rented home which have fixed appliances e.g. gas boilers or fires.
The latest government regulations also makes it compulsory that any homes which installed new appliances such as gas boilers, fires etc must be fitted with carbon monoxide alarms at the same time.
It is also the responsibility of lettings agents and landlords to either replace or repair smoke and CO2 alarms when tenants report their alarms as being faulty.
The cost of ensuring alarms are checked, repaired, installed or replaced is the agents/landlords sole responsibility.
The announcement of the new regulations for the PRS made by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is also making it mandatory for smoke and CO2 alarms must be fitted into social housing properties to ‘mirror’ the private rental sector.
The new regulations are introduced after a three month consultation and the new provisions will now be included in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 as well as statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations.
Junior housing minister Eddie Hughes said: “It is fundamentally right for people to feel safe in their own homes – an issue I’ve advocated for many years.
“Around 20 people are killed each year in accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and many more through house fires – but we know that simple interventions can stop these needless deaths.
“I’m proud that the new rules being proposed will ensure even more homes are fitted with life-saving alarms. Whether you own your home, are privately renting or in social housing – everyone deserves to feel safe and this is an incredibly important step in protecting those at risk.”
Jim Bywater of the National Fire Chiefs Council adds: “The new regulations will contribute to reducing fire and carbon monoxide casualties and fatalities and bring consistency and greater protection to those living in both private and social rented homes."
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