Consider your property’s carbon monoxide safety during government consultation

Landlords are advised to take measures to ensure their tenanted properties are adequately protected against the threat of carbon monoxide, as a new government consultation on the issue takes place.

The Department of Communities and Local Government is carrying out a review of safety regulations in the private rental sector, which currently require landlords to have a smoke alarm on every storey of a rental property and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a solid fuel burning appliance.

However, many tenants do not realise it is their responsibility to fit carbon monoxide alarms in any rooms that do not meet this criteria, with the Carbon Monoxide Be Alarmed campaign revealing almost a third of renters do not have an alarm anywhere in their property.

Although there is currently no indication the existing legislation is set to change, it is worth acting to install alarms and prevent a disaster.

Allison Thompson, managing director at property specialist Leaders, says: “Carbon monoxide is something that no landlord or tenant should ever take a risk with. Landlords must meet their obligations to install an alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance, while tenants should consider other areas of their homes that could benefit from an alarm.

“It is not only solid fuel burning appliances that pose a threat, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning extends to all types of combustion, including natural gas.

“Carbon monoxide detectors do not break the bank but can save lives, so we always advise landlords and tenants to have them installed in any property with either solid fuel, oil or gas installations.”

Earlier this month, a study by Certas Energy found four people in the UK are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning every day. Despite this, 58 per cent of people have no idea how to spot a leak.

For more information or advice relating to smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors contact your local Leaders branch.