Smoke and Carbon Alarms 2022 Smoke and Carbon Alarm Testing Amendment 2022
An Update For Landlords There has been an update regarding the carbon monoxide and smoke alarm guidance so here is the information you need to remain compliant.
The current regulation states that landlords must have a single smoke alarm fitted per storey and a carbon monoxide alarm where there is a solid fuel appliance, such as an open fire.
From 1st October 2022 landlords will find themselves with increased responsibilities around the provision of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within their properties.
Since October, landlords have the duty of equipping any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, i.e., boilers with a carbon monoxide alarm.
Which type of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required?
There aren’t any specific regulations that state which type of alarms must be installed, such as hard wired or battery powered. It is, however, recommended that landlords make an informed decision and opt for alarms based on the individual needs of their property and their tenants.
The only known requirements are that smoke alarms are compliant with British Standards BS 5839-6, and carbon monoxide alarms with BS 50291.
Currently, the amendments only apply to England and involve all tenancies presently in place, which also includes both private and social landlords.
How to prove smoke or carbon alarms have been tested?
As with the previous regulation, alarms should be tested at the start of the tenancy and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to keep a well-documented record of when alarms are tested thereafter. As always, an inventory and check-in should be arranged at the start of the tenancy which will include smoke and carbon monoxide alarm testing.
The report will set out the condition of the alarms and the tenant should sign this if they are satisfied that they are in good working order.
For more information, contact us at 0333 405 0200 – ShuffleResidential.co.uk