Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws for Renters in Wales

As a renter in Wales, safety is a top priority—and knowing your rights around carbon monoxide (CO) alarms is vital. Over recent years, the Welsh Government has updated the law to better protect tenants. This article explains the current legal requirements for carbon monoxide alarms in Wales, what it means for your landlord, and the steps you can take if your rental property does not meet the rules.

What Is a Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Why Is It Important?

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly if undetected. Alarms warn you when CO levels become dangerous, providing vital time to act. Given that many homes use gas appliances or boilers, CO alarms are an essential safety measure.

Legal Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Welsh Rentals

Under the Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022, all landlords must ensure that every rented property:

• Has a working, tamper-proof carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a gas, oil, or solid fuel burning appliance (excluding cookers).
• Has these alarms in place at the start of each new occupation contract.

This means private tenants and those in social housing both benefit from the same safety standards. The regulations apply to all occupation contracts as defined by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.[1][2]

Where Must CO Alarms Be Installed?

• Any room with a fixed combustion appliance (except for a gas cooker) must have a CO alarm.
• Common appliances affected include gas or oil boilers, fires, and wood-burning stoves.
• CO alarms must meet BS EN 50291-1 standards and be in working order at the start of a contract.

Who Is Responsible for Installation and Maintenance?

• Landlord’s duty: Install CO alarms and ensure they work at the start of your contract.
• Tenants are usually responsible for keeping alarms in working order throughout the tenancy (such as changing batteries), but should report defects promptly.

If you are unsure whether your home has suitable alarms, ask your landlord or letting agent for clarification.

What To Do If Your Home Lacks a CO Alarm

If your landlord has failed to provide a carbon monoxide alarm where required, you should:

• Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing, requesting immediate installation.
• Keep a record of all requests and responses.
• If no action is taken, escalate the matter to your local council’s environmental health team. They can assess the property’s safety.

If the property remains unsafe, you may have grounds to make a formal complaint or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales, which handles tenancy disputes, including issues relating to the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.[3]

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Fitness for Human Habitation Complaint (No formal form): Complaints regarding the absence of CO alarms should be made to your local authority’s Environmental Health team in writing. Include your address, landlord’s details, and the issue.

For most enforcement, councils will follow their own internal processes guided by national law. There is no single universal form for requesting a CO alarm, but you may be invited to complete a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment if unsafe conditions are identified. For disputes with landlords over fitness/repairs, you may apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales through their official application forms (e.g. RH13 Application for Fitness for Human Habitation determination).

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Landlords who fail to comply with CO alarm requirements, as set in the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and supporting regulations, may face enforcement action by local authorities. This could include improvement notices or, ultimately, civil penalties if a tenant’s property is considered unfit for habitation.

Always act promptly and document your communication if you believe your safety is at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are carbon monoxide alarms legally required in all rented homes in Wales?
   Yes. Landlords must provide a working CO alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (not including gas cookers) at the start of every new occupation contract under current Welsh law.
2. What should I do if my landlord hasn't fitted a carbon monoxide alarm?
   Request installation in writing. If your landlord does not respond, contact your local council’s environmental health team for enforcement support.
3. Who handles disputes about carbon monoxide alarms in Welsh rentals?
   The Residential Property Tribunal Wales reviews disputes about rental fitness, including CO alarm issues as covered by the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.
4. Does my landlord have to maintain existing carbon monoxide alarms?
   They must ensure alarms work at the tenancy’s start. You should notify your landlord if they become faulty so they can repair or replace them.
5. Can my landlord evict me if I request safety improvements like a CO alarm?
   No, it is illegal for your landlord to evict you in response to exercising your legal rights, including requests for safety measures like CO alarms.

Conclusion: Key Things Renters Should Know

• Landlords in Wales are legally required to install carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances (except cookers).
• Always report missing or broken alarms in writing and keep a record.
• You can ask your local council or apply to the Residential Property Tribunal Wales if your landlord doesn't comply.

Being informed about carbon monoxide alarm laws enables you to protect your health and wellbeing as a renter in Wales.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• UK Government Guidance on Renting
• Welsh Government: Renting Homes Information for Tenants
• Shelter Cymru (advice and support helpline: 08000 495 495)
• Find Your Local Council for environmental health contact details
• Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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1. Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016
2. Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022
3. Residential Property Tribunal Wales

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