New laws for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms came into force in Scotland and England during 2022, the gas network SGN said in a statement marking Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2022, which ran from 21 to 27 November1. SGN set out the differences between the two nations' rules and the responsibilities of landlords1.
In England, SGN said it is now a legal requirement for CO alarms to be installed in all rented accommodation and new build properties containing fuel burning appliances, excluding gas cookers1. A CO alarm is also required in any home when a new fuel burning appliance is installed1. The legislation in Scotland goes further, requiring all homes to have a CO alarm installed in any room containing a carbon fuelled appliance1.
| Nation | Where CO alarms are required, as reported by SGN1 |
|---|---|
| England | All rented accommodation and new build properties containing fuel burning appliances (excluding gas cookers); any home when a new fuel burning appliance is installed |
| Scotland | All homes, in any room containing a carbon fuelled appliance |
In private or socially rented accommodation in either country, SGN said it is the landlord's responsibility to provide these alarms, and that tenants have the right to request an alarm if there is not one fitted1. SGN said CO alarms should always meet British Standard BS-50291-11. The alarm standards guide sets out what BS EN 50291 covers, and the guide to carbon monoxide alarms explains what the devices do.
SGN said the highly poisonous gas causes tens of people to die every year and thousands to be harmed, and that symptoms of CO poisoning are very flu-like: nausea, dizziness, headaches, breathlessness and unconsciousness1. It attributed an increased risk this winter to rising energy bills and the cost of living crisis, as households look for ways to save on heating and cooking costs1. SGN said it is really important to have gas appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, and that every home should have a working CO alarm near to any gas appliances1.
"It's great that the legislation around the UK for owning and installing carbon monoxide alarms has been improved to help keep more people safe from CO harm."
Why it matters for households
The rules differ by nation and by housing type, so what applies to a household depends on whether it is in England or Scotland, whether it rents or owns, and whether the property is a new build1. In rented homes, the duty to fit an alarm sits with the landlord, and tenants can ask for one where none is fitted1. SGN advises that alarms meet British Standard BS-50291-11. The guide on whether you need a CO alarm covers placement, and the home emergencies hub covers related risks such as heating failures.
What happens next
No further dates or changes to the legislation are given in the statement. SGN said it was supporting Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2022, which ran from 21 to 27 November, to raise awareness of the new legislation and the dangers of CO poisoning1.
Do I Need a CO Alarm
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Guide
