Carbon Monoxide Regulations for Landlords

Ensuring tenant safety isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal obligation. Carbon monoxide, also known as the “silent killer,” is responsible for around 116 deaths a year across England and Wales, with thousands more treated for exposure. Understanding and complying with carbon monoxide alarm regulations is essential to protect your tenants – and stay on the right side of the law.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

• Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas
• It is very difficult to detect which is what makes it all the more dangerous
• Poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood, leading to carbon monoxide replacing oxygen in the red blood cells

What Causes Carbon Monoxide?

• Carbon monoxide is released when fuels such as gas, oil, coal, or wood don’t burn completely as there is not a sufficient amount of heat or oxygen to create carbon dioxide
• Many common household appliances can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed or maintained properly, or are faulty
• Carbon monoxide can be emitted from appliances including:
  • Gas boilers or cookers
  • Gas or paraffin heaters
  • Wood, gas or coal fires
  • Portable generators
• Using a barbeque indoors or turning on a vehicle inside a garage can also cause dangerous build ups of carbon monoxide
• Build up can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked or poorly maintained

What are the Carbon Monoxide Laws for Landlords?

• October 2022 saw the introduction of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• From 1^st October 2022, it became law for landlords to ensure that:
  • There is at least one working smoke alarm fitted on each storey of their rental property
  • There is at least one working carbon monoxide alarm equipped in any room which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
  • Any alarm informed to the landlord as faulty must be repaired or replaced

You could face a fine of up to £5,000 if you do not comply with these laws

Finding the Right Detector as a Landlord

Choosing the right smoke or carbon detector is crucial for landlords to ensure they stay compliant. Whilst there are no stipulations of specific alarms that must be fitted, we have put together some quick tips to make sure landlords to make the right choice.

✅ Choose a detector that meets British Standards

• Both hardwired (mains powered) or battery powered alarms are just fine
• Compliant carbon monoxide alarms will be marked with BS EN 50291
• Compliant smoke alarms will be marked with BS 5839-6
• Check for a Kitemark or CE mark which shows the unit has been independently tested and approved

✅ Opt for a sealed, tamper-proof unit

• These models come with a sealed lithium battery that can last 7 – 10 years
• Tamper-proof alarms are ideal for rental properties, reducing the chances of batteries being removed

✅ Check the installation type

• Standalone units are the easiest to install and ideal for most rental properties
• Hardwired alarms may be more suitable for long-term properties or new builds
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement

✅ Keep proof of purchase and installation

• Make sure to keep a record of installation dates, expiry dates, any manuals or certificates
• This supports compliance with any local authority checks and will protect you if disputes arise

Where Should Carbon Monoxide Alarms Be Fitted?

• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance
• Follow the manufacturer’s manual for placement
• It is generally advised to place the alarms at head height (on a wall or shelf) 1 – 3 metres from the appliance