Why landlords should fit carbon monoxide alarms - even in homes without solid fuel
Mary-Anne Bowring 06/12/2019
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The Legal Requirement for Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Since 1 October 2015, landlords in England have been legally required to install carbon monoxide alarms in any room where solid fuel is used. This regulation falls under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in fines of up to £5,000.
How Carbon Monoxide is Produced
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fuels such as natural gas, LPG, oil, coal, or wood burn incompletely. This usually happens when a gas appliance is incorrectly fitted, poorly maintained, or repaired improperly. Blocked flues, chimneys, or vents can also contribute to carbon monoxide buildup in a property.
The Deadly Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is often called the "silent killer" because it is odorless and invisible. It replaces oxygen in the bloodstream, leading to severe health issues such as cell and tissue death. Even low exposure can cause long-term effects, including brain damage and paralysis. Around 60 people die in the UK each year due to CO poisoning.
Common Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Every year, approximately 4,000 people in the UK visit A&E due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
Why Landlords Should Fit Alarms in All Properties
Even though homes heated by gas and oil are not legally required to have CO alarms, it is best practice for landlords to install them. Ensuring that all rental properties have working carbon monoxide detectors improves tenant safety and reduces the risk of potential legal or financial repercussions.
Keeping Records and Complying with Regulations
To stay compliant, landlords should keep detailed records of CO alarm installations, including dates and locations. Regular maintenance checks should also be logged. It is advisable to include both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the property inventory. For more details on compliance, landlords can refer to official government guidance.
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Under Offer: This term applies to a property where the landlord is considering an offer but remains on the market. It implies that further offers may still be considered until the landlord formally accepts or declines the current offer.
Let Agreed: This term indicates that a landlord has provisionally agreed to enter into a rental agreement with a prospective tenant, pending additional checks and referencing. It doesn't require the prospective tenant to have paid a holding deposit.
Let: This term signifies an established binding rental agreement between the landlord and tenant.
For both lettings and sales, the guidance addresses additional terms:
New On The Market: This term is used for a property not advertised since its last sale or rental. It should only be used for a brief period.
New Instruction: It applies to a property assigned to an agent for marketing recently, even if it was previously listed with another agent without being sold or rented.
New and Exclusive: This term refers to a property that is either new on the market or a new instruction, exclusively available through a specific agent or portal.
New Method of Sale/Let: This term is used when a property is being marketed for sale or rent using an alternative approach to the original advertisement, such as transitioning to an auction or sealed bid.
Reduced: This term indicates that a property's price has recently been reduced. The reduction should be genuine and comply with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's guidelines on pricing practices.