Open Fire Advised is Dangerous

layfs

Thanks for all your speedy replies so far.....

In an ideal world we would like an open fire or wood burning stove for not just he aesthetics but also to reduce the requirement to use our oil fired heating as this is eye watering expensive.

I don't really want to pay out on a rented property but this is a long term home (10 years+) unless we financially are in the fortunate position to be able to buy a similar property.

Currently the fire was not as efficient as I wanted it but as we are hopefully coming out of the winter this wasn't going to be too much of a concern until later on in the year. If it really is unsafe then that is a different matter altogether.

layfs

POPPYOSCAR wrote: »

"The landlord’s and tenant’s responsibilities

As a tenant you have the right to have your accommodation kept in a reasonable state of repair. You also have an obligation to look after the accommodation. The tenancy agreement may give details of both your landlord’s and your responsibilities in carrying out repairs and you should check this.

For more information about tenancy agreements, see Tenancy agreements.

The landlord’s main responsibilities

There are certain repairs which will almost always be your landlord’s responsibility, whether or not they are specifically mentioned in the tenancy agreement. These are:-

the structure and exterior of the premises (such as walls, floors and window frames) and the drains, gutters and external pipes. If the property is a house, the essential means to access to it, such as steps from the street, are also included in ‘structure and exterior’. Garden paths and steps are also included
water and gas pipes and electrical wiring (including, for example, taps and sockets)
basins, sinks, baths and toilets
fixed heaters (for example, gas fires) and water heaters but not gas or electric cookers (but see below).
In Scotland, most private landlords have to make sure their properties meet a certain standard, called the repairing standard – see under heading Repairs for private tenants in Scotland".



Above taken from the Citizens advice.

Reading this I would not expect that the Landlord is liable as in reality the fireplace is just that, it is not an actual heater.

If I were you I would speak to the Landlord and see what he has to say.He may agree to the works but if he is not keen you may be able to negotiate with him.

Thanks i read this also. I guess it's down to whether an open fire could be considered a "fixed heater"

POPPYOSCAR

I understand completely.

We have oil heating but no longer use it and have an open fire both downstairs and upstairs together with an Aga which keeps the kitchen lovely and warm.

As I said I would not think the landlord is responsible for the repairs and there is no legal requirement for solid fuel to be checked as there is for gas heating, although he does have a duty of care.

POPPYOSCAR

layfs wrote: »

Thanks i read this also. I guess it's down to whether an open fire could be considered a "fixed heater"

I would not describe an open fire as a fixed heater.

Werdnal

DRP wrote: »

yet you detected no CO all winter? that's strange isn;t it?

Quite possible. Regs for CO detectors are to sound at something like 50ppm, which is harmful/fatal concentration. However, long term exposure to lesser concentrations can be equally dangerous.

OP, double check the installation instructions for your CO detectors, and make sure they are still "in date" too. Most have a shelf-life of around 5 years, after which they are not as responsive and should be replaced. Also, depending on where they are sited, insufficient air distribution may prevent them working properly. They are not as simple to put up as smoke detectors and must be installed in the right place to work efficiently.

martindow

layfs wrote: »

I don't really want to pay out on a rented property but this is a long term home (10 years+) unless we financially are in the fortunate position to be able to buy a similar property.

How long is your tenancy? Normally 6 months or a year so you have no guarantee that you will be there for 10 years.

The danger with spending your money on a wood burner to improve the LL's house is that he may want to increase your rent or give you notice so that a new T will come in on an increased rent.

DRP

Werdnal wrote: »

Quite possible. Regs for CO detectors are to sound at something like 50ppm, which is harmful/fatal concentration. However, long term exposure to lesser concentrations can be equally dangerous.

OP, double check the installation instructions for your CO detectors, and make sure they are still "in date" too. Most have a shelf-life of around 5 years, after which they are not as responsive and should be replaced. Also, depending on where they are sited, insufficient air distribution may prevent them working properly. They are not as simple to put up as smoke detectors and must be installed in the right place to work efficiently.

It depends on the setup. My alarm records any readings above 0ppm. So by pressing the little button it will tell you any readings since you last reset the device.