The regulations concerning detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) in rented properties were tightened up a few years ago. What can you do to ward off the silent killer?

In 2015 the Government's new Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations came into force. These require landlords in the private sector in England and Wales to fit smoke detectors on every storey of any property where all or part of any room is used as living accommodation.

They also require CO detectors in any room where there is a solid fuel burning appliance. This could be a boiler or heater running on wood, coal or any other solid fuel. In Scotland it's different: CO detectors must be in every privately rented property and it's likely that England and Wales will follow suit in the future, as MPs have already discussed it.

With the price difference being minimal and the installation identical, many landlords in England and Wales now fit combined smoke and CO devices anyway.

Low awareness of the 'silent killer'

CO is known as the silent killer because it is invisible and has no odour, so it's very hard for us to detect. It usually escapes when appliances develop faults or there's a problem with a flue. Although gas appliances aren't covered by the law in England and Wales, they too can become sources of CO poisoning if not properly maintained.

A survey performed a year ago by energy supplier Certas revealed that 58% of the population would not know how to spot a leak, so detectors are crucial. Most people thought they would only suspect something was wrong if the heating failed. Unfortunately CO poisoning can occur while the appliance is still working.

Different levels, hard to spot

CO poisoning is hard to spot because the symptoms are very close to those of flu, colds or food poisoning. They include shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and nausea. If the symptoms improve when you're outside the home then that is a good indication of CO poisoning.

Another sign is that gas pilot lights burn orange or yellow instead of blue, or go out frequently.

It's important to understand that even low levels of CO can cause illness over time. Although, thanks to better safety regulations, deaths are now rare, an average of four people are taken to hospital with CO poisoning every day in the UK.

Clear responsibilities

Annual services and checks for all appliances are vital and tenants must allow access for them to take place.

Although landlords are responsible for installing alarms, it's the tenants' responsibility to check them and make sure they are working; that batteries are in good condition. It's worth referring to this in any lettings contract to make this responsibility crystal clear.

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