co detectors

[mrspask]

Following recent tragic event in Corfu when 2 toddlers were killed by CO fumes from a faulty CH system, what is the responsibility of a landlord in the UK who rents a property with gas fired central heating.?What would happen if a similar event happened here?

[Buenchico]

Landlords have to ensure that gas appliances are given an annual safety check by a Corgi-registered assessor. There is no requirement for them to provide CO detectors:
http://ukonline.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommun ity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/RentingAHome/DG_4 001394

If a tragedy was to occur, the landlord would not face prosecution (or be liable to pay civil damages) if he could show that he had complied with the law. (i.e. if he did appoint a properly qualified person, who passed the appliances as safe, the landlord should have nothing to worry about. Obviously, if he just got a mate to pretend to be Corgi-registered, he'd be in very deep water). Both civil and criminal action would be brought against the person who passed the equipment as safe, if he was deemed to be wholly or partly responsible for the tragedy. (Similarly, any other person whose actions led to the tragedy could face civil or criminal action. For example, if someone died because the tenant had obstructed a flue, after the inspection had taken place, the tenant could face legal action).

Chris

[mrspask]

Thanks Buenchico[Chris] I thought this would confirm my own thoughts,but I wonder how many landlords dont have annual checks?!I suppose the renter should ask for copy of service agreement to be sure.I also think that the rules should be ammended to make the landlord fit adequate detection.It wouldn't cost much especially when you think how much renting costs nowadays.

[samuel23]

Chris is absolutely correct and the link is very informative. Thanks Chris.
A CO detector with an alarm is about �15.99 from B & Q. We always take ours with us now when we are going on holiday. Even if we are staying in the UK!!. What price a life?

[mrspask]

thanks for your input guys.I suppose the point i'm making is that detectors should be part of the legislation now that they are available.