This week marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, the annual UK campaign highlighting the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) — the invisible, odourless “silent killer.”
Propertymark, the professional body for letting agents, is urging landlords to use the occasion not only to check they are meeting legal safety requirements but also to review, update, and communicate their carbon-monoxide safety procedures.
The organisation stresses that CO incidents are especially common in winter, when fuel-burning appliances are used more frequently and homes are less ventilated. For anyone responsible for rented property, ensuring compliance and taking steps to protect tenants is both a legal duty and a moral responsibility.
Propertymark CEO Nathan Emerson said:
“Landlords and agents hold a key role in helping to prevent carbon-monoxide incidents. A simple alarm, a clear inspection policy, and timely servicing can make all the difference.”
Install audible, EN 50291-approved CO alarms in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance such as a boiler, solid-fuel fire, or wood-burning stove (gas cookers are excluded).
Arrange annual servicing of all fuel-burning appliances, flues, and chimneys and keep written evidence of these checks.
Ensure ventilation is unobstructed and that appliances burn cleanly. Yellow or orange flames, soot staining, or pilot lights that blow out frequently are warning signs.
Provide clear guidance to tenants on what to do if an alarm sounds, how often alarms should be tested, and who to contact in an emergency.
Keep accurate records of compliance, servicing, alarm checks, and tenant communications.
Symptoms of CO exposure — headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness — are easily confused with flu or tiredness, meaning problems can go unnoticed until they become life-threatening.
Tenant safety must always come first, but landlords should also be aware that non-compliance can result in fines, enforcement action, and reputational damage.
The winter months bring increased heating use, making the risk of CO build-up significantly higher.
Carry out a safety audit: Check CO alarm installation, review appliance service histories, and follow up on any recent issues reported by tenants.
Communicate proactively: Send tenants a reminder during CO Awareness Week explaining how to test alarms, what symptoms to look for, and how to respond if an alarm activates.
Book maintenance: If appliances or flues require servicing or sweeping, schedule appointments before the coldest weather arrives.
Review and update documentation: Make sure tenancy agreements, inspection checklists, and emergency procedures include CO safety information.
Use the week to raise awareness: Share information through newsletters, websites, or social media to demonstrate a proactive and responsible approach to tenant safety.
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