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Smoke and carbon monoxide regulations come into force

07 April 2016

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came in to force on 1 October 2015. The regulations state that detectors must be installed in any room where there is a solid fuel burning appliance, such as a gas fire or central heating boiler. The law also requires landlords to ensure that the alarms are maintained in good working order.

This is an important piece of legislation for Congregational Federation Church's that provide a Manse for any church employee, or rent out their property, to make adequate provision to follow the guidelines.

The new regulations will be enforced by local authorities which have the power to serve a remedial order on any landlords who do not comply. Local authorities also have the power to enter the premises within 48 hours to carry out the remedial work and install an alarm if necessary. In the most serious cases, a fine of up to £5,000 can be imposed on landlords who fail to comply with the law.

For more information download this ARLA Factsheet or the Government Q&A Booklet.

Carbon monoxide alarms cost around £10 to buy – that’s less than the price of around four cups of coffee from a coffee shop. The new law will ensure that tenants are safely protected, but for private home owners and people using or living in caravans or boats, hopefully this will be a reminder to go out and pick up a carbon monoxide alarm as well.