Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman has backed new legislation which will demand that rented or new-build homes must have carbon monoxide alarms fitted.

In England, from October 1 2022 it becomes law for rented accommodation or new-build properties with flues and/or fixed combustion appliances other than cookers to have carbon monoxide alarms.

Fixed combustion appliances are a boiler, gas fire or wood burner with a fixed, rigid gas pipe or a fixed flue.

Carbon monoxide alarms are also required when a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) is first installed in any home. Both private and social sector landlords will have a duty to repair or replace alarms, once informed that they are faulty.

To raise awareness of the new rules, a new campaign ‘Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives’ has been launched, backed by Northern Gas Networks.

Carbon monoxide – known as ‘the silent killer’ – cannot be detected by human senses. However, a sounding alarm can to alert occupants to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. This year, many more domestic properties will be legally required to have such alarms.

The change to the law follows years of campaigning by the All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group, which has been calling for carbon monoxide alarms to be required in many more homes since 2017.

The group’s chairman Barry Sheerman said: “By making carbon monoxide alarms a legal requirement, governments are sending a strong message – carbon monoxide is seriously harmful. If you don’t have an alarm, you need to get one for your home as soon as possible.

“Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill. It can cause harm to our vital organs and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children. Please join our campaign to spread the word about carbon monoxide alarms this summer – and make sure your home is protected.”

Steve Dacre, vulnerability innovations lead for Northern Gas Networks, said: “This campaign is so important in terms of protecting families all across our network and helping keep our communities safe.

“We’re delighted to support it this summer and spread the message far and wide that CO alarms save lives.”

The newly-launched campaign will show the public how to stay safe from carbon monoxide and explain why homes need carbon monoxide alarms. You can join in too – download the digital asset pack for the campaign for free.

For help understanding these regulations or to seek legal advice, please contact Citizens Advice, who provide a free advice service for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.