Renters at risk from hidden danger in their homes

Almost half of renters in Leeds do not have a potentially life-saving carbon monoxide alarm in their property, it has been revealed.

New research for the ‘Carbon Monoxide Be Alarmed!’ campaign has found that almost a third of renters across the UK do not have a CO alarm in their property, with four in five unaware that it is their responsibility - and not their landlord’s - to provide one.

Private renters are still at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning nearly two years after legislation aimed at protecting private tenants came into effect.

Under current regulations, landlords in England and Wales are only required to provide a CO alarm in properties with a solid fuel appliance, i.e. coal or wood burning stoves.

The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign – run by Energy UK - is calling on the Government to take action to extend the legislation to ensure all private tenants are protected.

Lawrence Slade, chief executive of Energy UK and CO Be Alarmed! spokesperson, said: “Our research shows private renters are still at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with one in three not having a carbon monoxide alarm fitted at home. That is why we are calling on government to extend the legislation to protect all private renters including those with a gas appliance which is over 80 percent of homes.

“In the meantime we urge tenants to use our simple ABC checklist – Do you have an Alarm fitted? Have you tested it and are the Batteries working? Have you had an up to date gas Check?. This the only way to protect yourself and your family.”

Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman said: “As chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Carbon Monoxide, this is an issue I have championed throughout my parliamentary career and is something I feel very strongly about. With no smell or visible presence, the only way to detect the dangerous gas is through the installation of an audible alarm.

"Awareness of this easily forgotten step is vital in saving lives. We’ve made good progress, but we must continue to work to bring the number of these entirely preventable deaths down to zero. I value the vital work that the ‘Carbon Monoxide Be Alarmed!’ campaign is doing to achieve this goal and support the call for legislation to ensure all private tenants are protected.”

Chris Norris, had of policy for the National Landlords' Association, said: “Private landlords have a legal responsibility to provide a CO alarm if solid fuel burning appliances are installed, but landlords, tenants, and home-owners need to be aware that the risk of CO poisoning extents to all types of combustion – including natural gas.

"Although the risk is small, CO detectors are not expensive and require very little maintenance, which is why the NLA recommends landlords install an alarm in every property with solid fuel, oil, or gas installations. It is best practice and may save a life.”

For more information about how to stay safe, visit www.co-bealarmed.co.uk