The rules and regulations for rented accommodation are always evolving and it’s important for landlords to be aware of updates to ensure properties are safe for tenants.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will become law in England from 1 October 2022. Landlords who are renting out property will need to ensure the safety measures are in place for both carbon monoxide and smoke.

Since October 2015, landlords in England have been required to install carbon monoxide alarms in properties where a solid fuel heating appliance has been fitted, which is then used by tenants. With the recent amendments passed by Parliament, carbon monoxide detectors will be required in any room where there is any type of fixed combustion appliance. This means oil and gas-fired boilers, in addition to built-in gas fires, will be subject to the new legislation, but gas cookers or hobs are excluded.

Landlords operating in both the private and social sectors will be required to install smoke alarms on every floor of their properties where there is a room that’s used wholly or partly as living accommodation. This includes all rented homes, rented flats, holiday lets and temporary accommodation, also coming into force from 1 October 2022.

The changes to the law will also mean landlords are obliged to fix any problems with existing alarms raised by tenants ‘as soon as reasonably practicable’.

Any landlords who are non-compliant with the regulations from 1 October will face a fine of up to £5,000.

For more information on the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (Amendment) Regulations 2022 visit gov.co.uk