SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS FOR RENTED PROPERTIES IN WALES

Coming into effect from 15th July 2022 the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 set out requirements that landlords must meet in order for a property to be considered fit for human habitation.

One key requirement is for a smoke alarm to be fitted on each storey of the dwelling which is connected to the dwelling’s electrical supply and linked to every other smoke alarm in the dwelling which is connected to the electrical supply and for the smoke alarm to be maintained in good repair and proper working order.

Provided these minimum requirements have been met additional battery-powered smoke alarms can also be fitted which do not need to be interlinked.

In addition, landlords are also required to install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms in any room which has a gas, oil or solid fuel burning appliance installed.

Guidance on the requirements can be found on the Welsh Government website at:

English – https://gov.wales/fitness-homes-human-habitation-guidance-landlords-html

Welsh – https://llyw.cymru/ffitrwydd-tai-i-fod-yn-gartref-canllawiau-i-landlordiaid-html

If renting domestic property is part of your business or you provide or arrange accommodation for your employees you should be aware of these changes and any potential impact they may have on your operations. Please speak to your normal PIB Risk Management contact or get in touch using [email protected]  if you have any questions or would like assistance with planning for this change.