Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms – 1st October Deadline for Landlords
One of the questions we’re asked most often by both Landlords and Tenants is ‘who’s responsible for installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors?’
The installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all rental properties, in both the private rented sector and social housing sector, is to be made compulsory. It will be the responsibility of the Landlord to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Under the new legislation landlords will be required to update the safety requirements within all rented properties – from 1st October landlords will be required to have:
Carbon Monoxide Alarm – a Carbon Monoxide alarm must be provided in each room that has a gas /solid fuel appliance within it.
What is carbon monoxide? – Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it’s odourless, tasteless and colourless. Furthermore, it’s also toxic, as the gas can prevent your body from properly transporting oxygen. If inhaled in high concentrations, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly; it can also occur slowly if toxic gas levels build up slowly over time.
Smoke Alarm – a smoke alarm must be installed on each storey of the rental property. Most properties will already have a smoke alarm installed and this is checked on our regular inspection report.
We will be writing to all our landlords within our managed properties portfolio to explain further and to commence the provision of these alarms.
In the meantime, please contact our office if you would like further information and advice on 01743 242000 or at: shrewsbury@belvoir.co.uk.
