Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Welsh HMOs

Living in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) brings extra safety responsibilities for both landlords and tenants. If you rent in Wales you have the right to expect basic protection against carbon monoxide: functioning alarms where fuel-burning appliances are used, clear access to safety information, and a timely landlord response to faults. This guide explains what landlords must provide, where alarms should be located, what to do if alarms are missing or faulty, and how to use official complaint and tribunal routes. It uses plain language for renters and includes the forms and bodies you may need to contact in Wales so you can act confidently to keep yourself and housemates safe.

Legal duties: landlords, tenants and the law

Landlords who let HMOs must meet statutory standards for safety and habitability under the framework of landlord and tenancy law in England and Wales, including the Housing Act 1988 and Rent Act 1977 ^[1][2]. For carbon monoxide specifically, official guidance tells landlords when alarms are needed and how they should be maintained. If a landlord fails to provide or repair alarms, tenants can report the problem to the local authority or, if necessary, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for remedies (First-tier Tribunal)^[3].

Where alarms should be installed

General safety guidance recommends a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed fuel-burning appliance with an open flue (for example a gas boiler, gas fire or solid fuel stove). Alarms should be audible in bedrooms and maintained according to the manufacturer
s instructions. Official landlord guidance explains exact placement and types of compliant alarms (official guidance)^[4].

• Install an alarm in each room with a fuel-burning appliance.
• Ensure alarms are audible in any occupied bedroom or sleeping area.
• Test and replace batteries as recommended, and replace end-of-life alarms.

What to do if an alarm is missing or faulty

If you discover a missing or faulty carbon monoxide alarm, tell your landlord or managing agent in writing and keep a copy. If they do not respond, you can report an imminent danger to the emergency services or contact the local authority
s environmental health department for hazards affecting health.

1. Notify the landlord in writing and ask for a timescale for repair or replacement.
2. Keep dated evidence: photos, messages, receipts and a short diary of communications.
3. Contact the local authority if the landlord fails to act or if you believe there is an immediate risk.
4. If informal steps do not work, consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or seeking legal advice.

Reporting, forms and practical examples

Common official forms and processes tenants may need:

• Section 21 paperwork (Form 6A) and possession notices: landlords use these to regain possession in assured shorthold tenancies; tenants may need to check if notices are valid when a safety dispute is live.
• Environmental health complaint: most local authorities accept online or written reports about disrepair or imminent hazards; check your local council website for the specific reporting form.
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) application guidance: use the official tribunal pages to apply for orders where a landlord refuses to remedy a safety breach.

Enforcement and outcomes

Local authorities can use enforcement powers to require landlords to carry out works, and tribunals can make orders for repairs, compensation or changes to tenancy terms. Outcomes depend on the facts you document and the legal grounds you raise under housing law and available guidance ^[1].

FAQ

Do I have the right to a carbon monoxide alarm in a Welsh HMO?

Yes. If your HMO has fuel-burning appliances with an open flue, you should have a working carbon monoxide alarm in the relevant rooms; report any absence to your landlord and local authority.

Who fixes or replaces the alarm?

The landlord is responsible for providing and maintaining alarms. Tenants should report faults promptly in writing and keep evidence of the report.

What if my landlord does not act?

If informal requests fail, contact environmental health at your local council and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a formal remedy.

How-To

1. Inspect your property for fuel-burning appliances and note rooms that need alarms.
2. Write to your landlord describing the issue, state a reasonable deadline and attach photos if available.
3. If the landlord does not respond, contact your local authority
   s environmental health department and provide your evidence.
4. If enforcement does not resolve the matter, use the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance to apply for an order.
5. Keep copies of all communications and any repair invoices for potential compensation claims.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords of Welsh HMOs must provide and maintain carbon monoxide alarms where required.
• Tenants should record reports and evidence, and contact environmental health if landlords fail to act.
• The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can hear disputes if informal routes do not resolve the issue.

Help and Support / Resources

• Housing Act 1988 (legislation.gov.uk)
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance (gov.uk)
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm guidance for landlords (gov.uk)

1. [1] Housing Act 1988
2. [2] Rent Act 1977
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance (gov.uk)
4. [4] Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm guidance for landlords (gov.uk)