Carbon monoxide detectors set to be legal requirement in all rental homes

SAFEagent supported Gas Safety Week, 15^th to 22^nd September.

John Midgley, SAFEagent chair, said: “The importance of maintaining gas appliances should not be underestimated: the consequences can be fatal.

“We are committed to ensuring that all of our properties are gas safe and we are proud to have supported Gas Safety Week.”

The annual initiative came just days after the second reading of a private member’s Bill which would make it a legal requirement to install a functioning carbon monoxide detector in every rental property.

The Household Safety (Carbon Monoxide) Bill has been introduced by Tory MP Andrew Bingham and is backed by the Government.

The requirement would also extend to all new-build properties.

Some 200 people are hospitalised each year with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, with about 40 fatalities.

According to a new survey from Axa Business Insurance, 60% of rental properties have no carbon monoxide alarm, and only 30% of tenants said their landlord arranged an annual gas inspection.