Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations for Rental Properties

All rented properties as of 1st October 2022 must have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in rooms used as living accommodation where there is any type of fixed combustion appliance, with the exception of gas cookers.

The 2015 regulations required alarms in rooms with solid fuel combustion appliances, such as wood burners. Rooms with gas cookers only are not included in the scope of the updated regulations due to evidence that shows they are responsible for fewer incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning than gas boilers, which are generally used continuously for longer periods of time.

What type of alarms are required? 

The regulations do not stipulate the type of alarms that must be used but do recommend smoke alarms that are compliant with British Standards BS 5839-6 and carbon monoxide alarms that are British Standards BS 50291-compliant. Alarms with ‘sealed for life’ batteries are considered a better option than those with replaceable batteries.

How to test the alarms are in proper working order? 

There is a requirement to ensure alarms work at the start of each new tenancy. For example, by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds. If a tenant reports an alarm is not in proper working order during the tenancy and it is found not to be, the agent or landlord will be legally required to repair or replace it as soon as reasonably practicable. If a battery-powered alarm is not in working order during the tenancy, it is the responsibility of a tenant to check and, where possible, replace the batteries themselves. If the alarm still does not work, or if tenants are unable to replace the batteries themselves, they should report this to their agent or landlord.