In this section, you'll find important rules and tips to keep your property and tenants safe. This includes understanding the latest rules and using good safety measures.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 have rules for landlords to keep tenants safe. These were updated in 2022. Read the full updated Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations.
Here are the main points:
- There must be at least one smoke alarm on every floor of their rental property where there is a room used for living.
- A carbon monoxide alarm must be in any living room with a fixed appliance that burns fuel (not including gas cookers).
- You must make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work well at the start of each new tenancy. You must fix or replace alarms if tenants say they are broken.
Making sure there are good smoke detectors and ventilation systems is very important to keep tenants safe. Regular checks and following safety rules can greatly reduce the dangers of smoke.
These rules protect tenants from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. They ensure a safer living environment. Local authorities check these rules and can fine landlords up to £5,000 if they don't follow them.
If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask.
Why this is important
- Smoke has harmful gases like carbon monoxide and cyanide. These can make people very sick or even cause death if breathed in.
- In a fire, smoke can make it hard to see, making it difficult for tenants to find exits and escape safely.
- Breathing in smoke can cause serious lung problems. It can cause irritation, swelling, and long-term damage.
- Smoke can spread faster than flames. It can fill rooms and hallways, trapping tenants and making it hard to get out.
Good smoke detectors and ventilation systems are very important. They help keep tenants safe.
Regular checks and following safety rules can greatly reduce the dangers of smoke.
Home Fire Visits by Devon and Somerset fire and rescue
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service offers free home safety visits. They help people find and reduce fire risks in their homes. These visits are especially for those most at risk.
During a visit, fire safety officers will:
- Check for possible dangers.
- Give advice on how to prevent fires.
- Make sure smoke alarms are fitted and working properly.
If you or someone you know might need a home safety visit, you can contact them directly:
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas that you can't see, smell, or taste. It comes from burning fuels like gas, oil, coal, and wood. If you have cookers, heaters, boilers, a gas fire, an open fire, or a log burner, you need a CO detector.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, feeling sick, and shortness of breath.
- Symptoms can be mistaken for flu, viruses, or food poisoning (unlike flu, CO poisoning does not cause a high temperature).
- If someone feels these symptoms at home but is fine elsewhere, they might have CO poisoning.
What to do if your fire or CO alarm sounds or you suspect a leak:
- Stop using all appliances. Turn them off. Open doors and windows to let in fresh air.
- Evacuate the property immediately and stay calm.
- Call 999 for fire
- For CO call the gas emergency number 0800 111 999 to report the incident or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300363.
- Seek immediate medical help if you think you have been exposed to smoke inhalation or CO gasses.
- If you feel unwell after exposure, go to A&E right away.
- Never go back into the property until cleared by the emergency services.