Recently, the UK has become wiser to the requirements of homes being rented. A number of incidents involving carbon monoxide have become high-profile cases, and it is now essential that rented properties have the appropriate measures for the safety of the tenants. As standard as it is for us to think about having a fire alarm, so too should we be thinking ahead to the implications of potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your property is tenant-ready, and learn more with Cityscape Properties.

Housing Regulations

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 introduced an amendment to the Repairing Standard, which applies to all private rented housing, to include the additional requirement that “the house has satisfactory provision for giving warning if carbon monoxide is present in a concentration that is hazardous to health.”  The requirement for a CO gas detection system relates to all private rented properties where there is a fixed combustion appliance either in the property or in an inter-connected space (for example, where there is an integral garage).

The CO detector can be battery powered. The detector must also have a warning device which should signal an alert when the detector’s working life is due to expire and need to be replaced. It is permissible to install a combined fire/CO detector, but due to the requirements for all fire alarms to be hard wired and interlinked, any combined fire/CO detector must also comply with this.

About Carbon Monoxide

In short, carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be present in homes using gas-powered products. Carbon monoxide is produced when gas boilers, cookers, or ovens do not use all of their fuel. Bad ventilation is the leading cause of carbon monoxide leakage, and any blocked flues or pipework can also lead to similar problems.

Having the correct fitting of your gas appliances from a trusted installer is essential when keeping your property safe.  If you are a landlord, especially, you do not want to be caught out. Taking responsibility for saving your tenants from potential danger should always be at the forefront of your mind. Carrying out regular health checks on appliances and ensuring that installations are carried out correctly is just one way to make sure your property remains secure and habitable.

Your Carbon Monoxide Monitor

There are different monitors available on the market, but any and all would work well in your property. Simply choose the one that fits your home situation best. The majority of people will choose a battery powered unit as it is easy to replace the power source and, in the event of a power cut, the monitor will still be able to work.

The devices are able to be purchased from a multitude of shops, so it is not hard to find one at a reasonable price. Once you have set up the monitor, it is important that you routinely have your appliances serviced in a furnished flat. Overlooking new installations as a landlord will help you to know if anything needs to be changed, and regular conversation with your tenants will also help them to feel much more secure with their tenancy agreement and you.

Gas Supply Checks

Alongside a yearly appliance check, you should also ensure that your gas supplier carries out a yearly check on the property. These can be arranged and carried out for free if your tenants are older, disabled, or chronically ill. Find out more about this from your supplier.

Tenants fully expect to be safe in their new homes, and failing to abide by new regulations for carbon monoxide monitors could land you with a fine or worse. There is no price for your tenants’ safety, after all.