Are You Up to Date on the New Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Rules for Landlords 2022?

If you are a landlord or property manager, you might have heard about the new smoke and carbon monoxide rules which came into force in the beginning of October 2022. If not, here is everything you need to know to remain compliant under The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

What Has Changed?
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations have always been in place for landlords in the private sector but a review in 2018 found that extending these rules to all rented property brings more positive results on the number of alarms installed. 

The New Rules
According to gov.uk, from 1st October 2022, all relevant landlords must:

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.

2. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

3. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty. (source Gov.uk)

Suitable Alarms & Testing
There is no regulation which requires landlords to hardwire the alarms into the building but all alarms must comply with the British standard which is BS 5839-6 for smoke alarms and BS 50291 for carbon monoxide alarms. Alarms should be installed and tested by the landlord and ensured they are in good working order on the day the tenancy begins. It is up to the tenant to check the batteries periodically on the alarms but is good practice for landlords to include checking the alarms in any property visits.

Non Compliance
If a landlord fails to comply with the new regulations the local authority can issue a fine of up to £5,000 if the landlord fails to act after a remedial notice. You can read more about the regulations and implications on the Gov.uk website here.

We hope this blog has kept you up to date on what you need to know as a landlord or property manager and what to expect as a tenant. If you need some help installing alarms in your property to comply with the new regulations, why not give HandyExperts a call? Contact us here.