Domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: have your say

The MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) have launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm regulations and Approved Document J.

 

The proposed changes – which only apply to England – are:

1.    Smoke alarms. To require social housing landlords to fit a smoke alarm on each floor of a dwelling where there is a room used as living accommodation. In addition, the landlord will have a duty to make sure the alarm is working at the start of any tenancy and repaired if reported faulty.



2.    Carbon monoxide alarms. To require a carbon monoxide alarm to be fitted in any home when any fixed combustion appliance is newly installed (apart from gas cookers). This would apply to all homes whether rented or owner occupied.



3.    Carbon monoxide alarms. To require all landlords (whether private or social) to fit a carbon monoxide alarm in a room used as living accommodation where a fixed combustion appliance is used. In addition, the landlord will have a duty to make sure the alarm is working at the start of any tenancy and repaired if reported faulty.

The consultation also asks whether the guidance in Approved Document J on installing carbon monoxide alarms is still fit for purpose. The guidance currently states: an alarm should be fitted on the ceiling at least 300mm from any wall or on a wall, as high up as possible (above any doors and windows) but not within 150mm of the ceiling and between 1m and 3m horizontally from the appliance.

 

The consultation runs until 11 January, so please take part and give your views here:

View and contribute to the domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarm consultation here

Further information

MHCLG consultation document in PDF format

LABC members' consultation page (login required)