New Warning To Letting Agents To Make Sure Properties Are Gas Safe!

Easyroommate

The current weather has it made very clear that what may have been one of the best summers in recent times, is officially over. As the temperatures drop, a new warning has been given to landlords to ensure their properties are gas safe with carbon monoxide alarms present. With November being Carbon Monoxide awareness month, it's only right to help raise concerns of the deadly gas.

Here's what one particular spokesman within the industry had to say

Carbon monoxide is difficult to detect but can be deadly where there is a general lack of knowledge about the danger and damage it can cause. One in six homes has a dangerous gas appliance with studies suggesting it causes at least 25 deaths every year in England and Wales.

The sudden cold means many households are turning their heating on having not used it through the summer which can mean families are at risk from a faulty boiler or inadequate ventilation. This is why it’s so important to check your boiler and, if you’re concerned, speak or organise a video call with a certified gas safe engineer.

As of 2015, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations state that private sector landlords must install at least one smoke alarm for every floor of their rental properties, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a solid fuel burning appliance. In addition to such rules, the landlord or letting agent representative must also ensure all alarms are fully working at the start of each new tenancy.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government made a statement regarding a review made by the government of the health and safety within rented properties which included an assessment of carbon monoxide alarms. They said:

The review will judge whether legislation goes far enough in keeping people safe from the risks of carbon monoxide in their homes, and whether there should be a blanket requirement to install alarms for other methods of heating, including gas and oil, and to social housing

It looks like further changes could potentially be made to help safe guard the public from the dangers of gas. With the government looking to crack down on sub standard work and there being increasing amount of reported incidents, I think we can all agree the government are taking positive action to help eradicate the problems.

What do you guys think?

Does the sector need stricter policies with regards to gas? Or is there no need for further changes? Let us know what you think!