A new report has revealed that many carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are not fit for purpose.

A new report, co-funded by the European Union and the Product Safety Forum of Europe (PROSAFE), has revealed that more than half (52%) of the carbon monoxide alarms tested across seven EU member states posed a ‘high’ or ‘serious risk.’

In total more than 81 models of CO detectors were inspected, with 25 tested in a laboratory.  Of those laboratory tested, only three models were found to be OK, with many detectors assessed by PROSAFE deemed to be a ‘high’ risk.

This shocking report comes less than eight months after West Sussex Trading Standards warned that as many as 80% of CO alarms tested failed British Standards tests.

Last year the UK government passed legislation requiring PRS landlords to test their smoke and CO alarms annually and before each new tenancy. Those that fail to comply now risk being fined up to £5,000.

“There is undoubtedly a serious issue with the quality of CO alarms on the market and more needs to be done to raise awareness of the issue,” said John Stones, managing director of Gas Safe Europe, which estimates that there are more than 30m alarms in the UK that could be “providing consumers with a false sense of security and putting lives at risk”.

For example, last year a company was ordered to pay £11,000 in fines and prosecution costs after pleading guilty to two breaches of Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, after putting tenants at high risk of suffering carbon monixide poisioning for 7 years in their home.

However, as a Tenant Referencing UK member there is no need to worry. This is because our members can access their personal property reminder management system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which includes CO testing reminders.

Free property management reminders, to help you stay compliant – Click here to read all about it.

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