Landlords told to go beyond legal safety requirements
This is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, an annual UK campaign raising awareness of the risks posed by the invisible, odourless “silent killer,” carbon monoxide (CO).
And now Propertymark, the letting agents’ trade body, is calling on all landlords to not only ensure they are meeting their legal obligations, but are also using this moment to audit, communicate, and upgrade carbon-monoxide safety protocols.
The organisation says CO poisoning is particularly more prevalent in winter, when fuel-burning appliances are used more heavily and ventilation may be restricted. For those responsible for rented property, ensuring compliance and proactively safeguarding tenants is both a legal and ethical imperative.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments: “Landlords and agents hold a key role in helping to prevent carbon-monoxide incidents. A simple alarm, a clear inspection policy, and timely servicing can make all the difference.”
Key obligations for landlords and agents:
- Fit audible, EN 50291-approved CO alarms in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance, like a boiler, coal fire, or wood-burning stove (excluding gas cookers) per relevant regulations.
- Service fuel-burning appliances, flues, and chimneys annually (or as required) and keep documented evidence of those checks.
- Ensure ventilation routes remain clear, and appliances burn cleanly, with yellow/orange flames, soot, and pilot-lights frequently blowing out are red flags.
- Communicate clearly with tenants: what they should do if the CO alarm triggers, what the alarm test schedule is, and who to call in an emergency.
- Maintain accurate records of compliance, servicing, alarm testing, and provide tenants with guidance on what to look out for.
Why this matters now
- CO exposure symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, are often mistaken for flu or tiredness, so the risk can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
- Protecting tenants’ safety should always be of the utmost importance, and alongside this, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, fines, and reputational risk for a landlord.
- During colder months and increased appliance use, the risk of CO build-up increases significantly. It’s a timely moment to act.
Practical steps landlords and agents should take this week
- Run your audit: Check every property for the presence and correct installation of CO alarms, service records of fuel-burning appliances, and any recent tenant complaints or incidents;
- Communicate with tenants: Send a personalised message or newsletter during CO Awareness Week, reminding tenants how to test the alarm, what signs to watch for, and what to do if their alarm goes off.
- Schedule maintenance: If any appliance is due for service or a flue sweep, book now before cold weather fully sets in.
- Update your documentation: Ensure tenancy agreements, inspection checklists, and emergency procedure templates reference CO safety.
- Use this week as an engagement tool: Incorporate the topic into your marketing or social media channels, raising awareness shows you are proactive and professional, strengthening tenant trust.
This article is taken from Landlord Today
