NEW Letting regulations come into force 1st October 2022.

These updated regulations affect landlords in England, with some of the key changes highlighted below. 

Smoke alarms must be installed on the ceiling of each floor of a rental property. This includes where there is a front door and staircase, leading up to a 1^st inhabited floor, and all floors above.

Carbon monoxide monitors must now be placed at head height, in any room within 3m of where fuel is or could be burned (except gas cookers), regardless of whether this is oil, gas, or solid fuels etc.  This includes open fireplaces even if fires are explicitly prohibited by an existing tenancy agreement. The definition includes a garage, cellar, loft space, and cupboard.

It is the landlord’s (or their managing agent where agreed) responsibility to maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors. They must be tested and working prior to a tenant beginning a tenancy, and repaired/replaced as soon as practicable when a tenant reports them as being faulty throughout the tenancy.

It remains the tenant’s responsibility to check and replace batteries (where appropriate depending on the device), as required.   

Importantly, these regulations must be met including existing tenancy by the 1^st October 2022.  It is not permitted to wait until a new tenant enters a property.

Please ensure you read the complete government guidance to fully avail yourself of your legal obligations. Link to New Regulations