CO Advice

Guidance for landlords on the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022

To support landlords in preparing their properties ready for the compliance date of 1 October 2022, you can find frequently asked questions answered below regarding the changes.

Since, October 1st 2022 the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 have replaced previous regulation.

The regulations apply to all homes rented by private landlords or registered providers of social housing, unless excluded. These regulations should be considered alongside other relevant laws on fire and carbon monoxide safety in rented homes such as the Housing Act 2004, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022.

From this date, all private landlords must:

  • Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation.
  • Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm (CO) is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
  • Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.

If a landlord fails to comply with the updated regulations, the local authority can impose a fine of up to £5,000.

Preparing for smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulation changes

To support landlords in preparing their properties ready for the compliance date of 1 October 2022, you can find frequently asked questions answered below regarding the changes.

What carbon monoxide alarm should I install?

The amended regulations do not state the exact type of alarm that should be installed, or whether it needs to be mains-powered or battery powered.

We advise landlords to choose and install a CO alarm based on the needs of their building and tenants. Alarms should be compliant with British Standard 50291 and if selecting battery powered alarms, ‘sealed for life’ batteries are the preferred option.

smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations

Where do carbon monoxide alarms need to be installed?

The regulations do not stipulate where the alarms should be placed. However best practice advice is a CO alarm should be installed in every room which is used as a living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

We advise carbon monoxide alarms to be positioned at head height, either on a wall or shelf, approximately 1-3 metres away from a potential source of carbon monoxide. Always follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions when installing the alarms.

What type of smoke alarm should I install?

The amended regulations do not state the exact type of alarm that should be installed, or whether it needs to be mains-powered or battery powered.

We advise landlords to choose a smoke alarm based on the needs of their building and tenants and should be compliant with British Standard 5839-6. If selecting battery powered alarms, ‘sealed for life’ batteries are the preferred option.

Where do smoke alarms need to be installed?

Although the regulations do not stipulate where smoke alarms should be placed, we advise at least one smoke alarm should be installed on every storey which is used as living accommodation.

Smoke alarms should be fixed to the ceiling in a circulation space, such as a hall or a landing. Always follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions when installing the alarms.

What about heat alarms?

Heat alarms are not a replacement for smoke alarms but should be used in kitchens and rooms where there is high levels of fumes or dust.

Who is responsible for testing the alarms or changing batteries?

Testing of smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms should be straightforward for tenants to do. Landlords, consider informing your tenants how often to test alarms with a demonstration or instructions.

Landlords will also be responsible for repairing or replacing faulty alarms. However, tenants should replace alarm batteries where possible. If tenants are unable to replace the batteries themselves, they should report this to the landlord.

Which tenancies are exempt from these regulations?

Selected tenancies are excluded from the amended regulations, this includes:

  • shared accommodation with a landlord or landlord’s family
  • long leases
  • student halls of residence
  • hotels and refuges
  • care homes
  • hospitals and hospices
  • low cost ownership homes
  • other accommodation relating to health care provision

What should landlords do if they discover they are not compliant?

As soon as landlords are made aware that they are not compliant with the regulations, they should take action to install alarms as soon as practicable.

Find out further details about the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 here, or read more on the changing regulation across the UK private landlords need to be aware of.

 

*Please note: The above summary is based on FireAngel’s interpretation of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, always refer to the standard for specific guidance