What do the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm regulations 2022 mean for landlords?

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 have been in place since 2015 affecting private landlords.

The Government recently consulted on changes to regulations, and changes to these regulations are due to come into force on 1 October 2022.

What changes have been made to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm regulations?

Changes to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations will include:

• Social landlords will be bound by the regulations and must therefore ensure that at least one smoke alarm is installed on each storey of dwellings let out.
  
  
• Both social and private landlords must ensure that Carbon Monoxide alarms are installed in any room used as living accommodation and which has a fixed combustion appliance (not including gas cookers).
  
  
• Landlords must replace or repair alarms which are faulty, once they have been informed of the fault.  Residents are responsible for testing alarms and reporting any defects to the landlord although the landlord is obliged to ensure that the alarm is working at the start of the tenancy.
  
  
• The process for the service of remedial notices by the local authority will be amended to require local authorities to consider any written representations made by the landlord.  Any remedial notice will be suspended whilst representations are being considered.

What happens if landlords don't comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm regulations?

Failure to comply with the regulations will result in the local authority serving a remedial notice, and failure to comply with that notice can result in a penalty of up to £5,000.

If you have any queries regarding any aspect of residential lettings, then please contact Sarah Barratt on 0191 211 7923 or email [email protected]