CO and smoke alarms in private rentals

Landlords are already responsible for ensuring their property is safe for tenants, being obliged to see that regular gas boiler checks are carried out and ensuring that high standards for levels of ventilation, lighting and minimising damp are in place. 

New rules being considered within the Energy Bill may go further, requiring installation of life saving carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

Speaking in the House of Lords, Baroness Stowell said:

“We will now take forward a wide ranging and fundamental review into property conditions in the private rented sector, considering very carefully the case for requiring landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms and/or smoke alarms in their properties. We will also engage widely with interested organisations including landlord associations, housing charities, tenant groups and professional bodies.

“In addition to considering whether smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be required in privately rented housing, the review will also look at the minimum standards tenants should expect when renting a property.”

A discussion paper will be published next month seeking the views of the housing sector and other interested parties.