Having a new boiler, woodburner, gas or oil fire installed?

A change in national regulations now means that carbon monoxide alarms are required when a fixed combustion appliance is first installed in any home.

This includes new boilers but does not apply to gas cookers.

Carbon monoxide alarms must also be installed in all rented accommodation and new build properties where there is a fixed combustion appliance.

What is a fixed combustible appliance?

The regulations define this as a fixed apparatus where fuel of any type is burned to generate heat. The appliance could be powered by gas, oil, coal or wood - for example gas or oil boilers, or log-burning stoves.

Gas cookers are excluded from the legislation.

Rental property owners’ responsibilities

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force this autumn. Under the new rules. both private and social sector landlords have a duty to repair or replace alarms, once informed that they are faulty.

Choosing and positioning your alarms

The regulations do not stipulate the type of alarms (such as mains powered – sometimes called ‘hard wired’ - or battery powered) that should be installed. They do state that a carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in every room which is used as living accommodation and contains a fixed combustion appliance.

These rules apply to home owners and landlords. More information is available on our Planning Latest Updates webpage.

Further information for landlords and tenants can be found on the government’s website.