By Bay Estate Agents
Alongside other important changes when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is implemented by the Welsh Government on 1st December 2022, is the requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in rented property for the first time.
Alongside other important changes when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 is implemented by the Welsh Government on 1st December 2022, is the requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in rented property for the first time.
The requirement for carbon monoxide alarms comes from the new Fitness of Homes for Human Habitation (FFHH) element of the legislation. A carbon monoxide alarm is required in each room containing a gas, oil-fired or solid fuel burning appliance.
Location and maintenance of alarms
Smoke alarms are normally placed on ceilings because heat and smoke rise, but this isn’t necessarily the best place to install carbon monoxide alarms as the concentration of the gas could reach dangerous levels before reaching ceiling height. As such, carbon monoxide alarms are usually installed lower than smoke alarms.
Landlords will be required to ensure each alarm remains in proper working order, which includes noting its expiry date. Carbon monoxide sensors are typically more fragile than those within smoke alarms, so usually need to be replaced more regularly.
The consequences for not complying
Known as the silent killer, Carbon Monoxide can injure and kill quickly.
Additionally, the legislation states that a property will be deemed unfit for human habitation if there isn’t a carbon monoxide alarm installed in a room which requires one, and rent will not be payable by the tenant for the unfit period.
What is the timescale for Landlords to become compliant?
Unlike the new electrical safety certificate and smoke alarm requirements, which allow a grace period of up to a year if there is already a tenancy in place come 1st December 2022, Carbon Monoxide alarms will be required by 1st December 2022, as soon as the Act is implemented.
Further reading
Want to know more? Head on over to the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2022/6/made) or Welsh Government’s accompanying guidance (https://gov.wales/fitness-homes-human-habitation-guidance-landlords-html#section-88908).
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