With Carbon Monoxide (CO) Awareness Week running between 18-24 November, Propertymark is encouraging tenants to ensure they are aware of their rights and what to expect in their home when renting in the private rented sector.
 
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), carbon monoxide poisoning is often misdiagnosed, and it has been reported that around 40 deaths are reported each year in England and Wales alone from carbon monoxide poisoning.  
 
Carbon monoxide is produced when gas, oil, coal and wood do not fully burn, and with many household appliances like boilers, cookers, and gas fires using these types of fuels, each one can pose a serious risk. Symptoms can include dizziness, feeling sick, tiredness, stomach pain, and shortness of breath.  
 
In England, it is a legal necessity for every rental property to comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022. The regulations enforce that at least one carbon monoxide alarm is installed on each storey of a rental property where there is a room used as living or sleeping accommodation. A carbon monoxide alarm must be placed in all rooms used as living accommodation where there is any type of fixed combustion appliance. These regulations were updated on 1 October 2022 from the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms (England) Regulations 2015. There is a £5,000 fine for non-compliance.  
 
The fit for human habitation regulations in Wales ensure a carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in any room which has a gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliance installed.  
 
Since 2019, the Scottish Government has issued additional clarification on the location of alarms, which states that each home must have one smoke alarm in the room that is used the most, one in every circulation space on each storey, and one heat alarm in every kitchen. From February 2022, every property in Scotland must have interlinked fire alarms that all go off if one activates. If a property has a carbon-fuelled appliance in a room, like a boiler or heater, then that room must also have a carbon monoxide detector that does not have to be joined to the fire alarms. 
 
The Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 have set new rules that apply to new tenancies from 1 September 2024 and all other private tenancies from 1 December 2024. Every privately rented property must have a minimum of one heat alarm in every kitchen, one Carbon Monoxide alarm in the main living area, and one carbon monoxide alarm in each room or circulation space that has a gas appliance other than a gas cooker.  
 
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said:  
 
“Carbon monoxide poisoning can have devastating consequences and symptoms are not always noticeable. It is vitally important that tenants are aware of their rights and that regulation is followed to ensure approved alarms are installed in all necessary areas and that all appropriate testing of equipment is conducted on schedule.”
 
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