LATEST LANDLORD NEWS

Live
Text
min read

Make a date to conduct vital gas checks in rental homes

carbon monoxide awareness week

Tenants have been urged to check their carbon monoxide alarms and heating systems to prevent needless illness and death from gas poisoning.

Landlords are also being encouraged to keep up to date with their responsibilities as part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (17–23 November).

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it has no smell, taste, or colour, yet just a small amount can be fatal; more than 200 people in the UK are hospitalised every year because of CO poisoning, which leads to around 60 deaths.

Landlords across the UK are legally required to install carbon monoxide alarms in every room with a fixed fuel-burning appliance such as a gas boiler, fire, or wood burner. In Wales, this extends to rooms with cooking appliances, and in Northern Ireland it covers any room or circulation space with an appliance or flue.

Working

Landlords must check these alarms are working properly at the start of each new tenancy, arrange annual gas safety inspections and supply tenants with a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) within 28 days of the check, as well as respond promptly to reports of faulty alarms or suspected CO issues and keep records of all maintenance, testing, and servicing.

Alarms should be tested and certified to British Standard EN50291 and display a Kitemark. They need to be placed between one and three metres from the potential CO source and at head height and be ceiling-mounted at least 300 mm from walls or wall-mounted at least 150 mm from the ceiling.

Regularly

Tenants also have responsibilities to test alarms regularly, keep ventilation clear, and report any faults or safety concerns immediately.

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, says: “Carbon monoxide can strike without warning, and it doesn’t matter whether you own your home or rent it; everyone needs to take this seriously. We’re urging everyone to take five minutes during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week to test their alarm, ensure appliances are being serviced, and remind loved ones to do the same.”

Tags:

Carbon monoxide alarms
Propertymark

Comments

More from author

Leave a comment