Letting agents and landlords are being urged to carry out immediate safety checks as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (17–23 November) begins amid warnings that thousands of rented homes may still be unprotected against the “silent killer”.
Propertymark has issued a sharp call to action for the sector, stressing that compliance with carbon-monoxide (CO) regulations is only the starting point – and that agents should use this week to audit, communicate and upgrade their safety protocols as winter temperatures drop.
CO poisoning typically spikes during colder months as fuel-burning appliances are used more heavily and ventilation is reduced.
The trade body warned that the risks remain “widely underestimated”, particularly in older or poorly maintained rental stock.
WHAT AGENTS RISK
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “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.”
Current regulations require an audible, EN 50291-approved CO alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
Annual servicing of boilers, flues and chimneys must be recorded, while agents must ensure ventilation routes are unobstructed and appliances burn cleanly.
VITAL COMMUNICATION
Clear communication with tenants – from alarm testing routines to emergency contacts – is now considered a core part of compliance. Propertymark warned that poor record-keeping remains a leading cause of enforcement action.
Alongside potential fines, agents risk significant reputational damage if an avoidable CO incident occurs. Symptoms of CO poisoning, such as dizziness, headaches and nausea, are often mistaken for flu, making the danger easy to miss until exposure becomes severe.
Propertymark is urging agents to treat this week as an operational deadline. Recommended actions include:
- Auditing every property for alarms, installation accuracy, recent complaints and service histories.
- Proactive tenant engagement, including newsletters and safety reminders.
- Immediate scheduling of overdue servicing or chimney sweeping.
- Updating documentation, from tenancy agreements to inspection templates, to include CO procedures.
- Using the week publicly, via social or marketing channels, to demonstrate proactive duty of care.
Emerson adds improved visibility and transparency can build tenant trust while reducing risk and says: “This is a moment for agents to demonstrate professionalism and leadership.”
