The newly drafted Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 contain various important updates concerning the responsibility of Landlords in relation to the provision and repair of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in homes across England.
Since 2015, Landlords have been responsible for the installation of a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of a property used as living accommodation, as well as any room where a solid fuel is being burnt, such as wood or coal. The new regulations amend this rule and expand it to also include rooms that have a fixed combustion appliance, such as gas heaters and boilers.
In addition to this, there has also been a change concerning the responsibility of Landlords in relation to the repair of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Previously, Landlords were only accountable for the initial testing of alarms at the beginning of the tenancy. However, the new regulations now stipulate that Landlords will be responsible for the repair of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms if notified by their Tenants that they are faulty. If the Landlord is not able to repair the alarms themselves, they will also be under a duty to provide a replacement alarm as soon as reasonably practicable.
The above requirements are set to be enforced by local authorities who have the power to impose a £5,000 fine to Landlords who fail to comply with a served remedial notice.
These regulations will apply to all social and private rented tenancies, but will exclude those explicitly outlined in the Schedule of the Regulations, including:
- Long Leases
- Student halls of residence
- Hotels and Refuges
- Care homes
- Hospitals and Hospices
- Other accommodation relating to healthcare provision
- Low-cost ownership homes
Our specialist Landlord and Tenant Team have realms of experience when it comes to handling all your renting queries and requirements. At Hodgkinsons Solicitors we have helped individuals throughout Skegness, rural Lincolnshire and beyond with Landlord and Tenant matters for almost 40 years. Whether you are located in Skegness, Boston, Louth, Lincoln, or surrounding areas, we can help you. If you would like to discuss a Landlord or Tenant matter with our Lawyers, please get in touch by submitting a contact form online or by calling us on 01754 897150.