Short-term rentals and tourist leases: mandatory installation of combustible gas and carbon monoxide detectors.

With the entry into force of Decree Law 145/2023 (Article 13-ter, paragraph 7), real estate units for residential use rented for less than 30 days, including for tourist purposes, must be equipped with devices for detecting combustible gases and carbon monoxide.

In our country from 2016 to 2023, there were 1,073 gas-related accidents. In addition, there were 83 fatal accidents. In the same period, the number of people injured was 2,292 and the number of people killed was 111. These are the latest figures from the 2023 Combustible Gas Accident Statistics in Italy of the CIG - Comitato Italiano Gas. In 2023, the main causes of accidents were attributable to malfunctioning appliances (17.8%), lack of maintenance (16.9%) and unsuitable combustion products and evacuation systems (16.4%).

What are the combustible gases we use in households?

The most commonly used fuels in the domestic sector are natural gas and LPG and are used for heating, domestic water production and the supply of gas cookers. Combustible gas accidents are mainly caused by fire and/or explosion due to the use of combustible gas, distributed through networks or in cylinders, and the malfunctioning of boilers, chimneys and flues.

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Carbon monoxide intoxication

Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas that is formed instead of carbon dioxide when little oxygen is supplied to combustion. Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by the consumption of much of the oxygen present in closed rooms without good ventilation, which is possible with all types of fuel. The accident can be caused either by flames burning oxygen, without there being a change of air, or by clogged flue pipes. Carbon monoxide is extremely toxic and can first cause drowsiness and then unconsciousness until death in a very short time.

In addition to system maintenance (think periodic maintenance and boiler flue gas checks), awareness of the implications of incorrect use of combustible gases, systems and appliances must increase.

Importance of gas detectors

The gas and smoke detectors are able to signal the presence of methane and carbon monoxide even at concentrations below the safety thresholds, helping to prevent accidents in the event of equipment malfunction or carelessness. In the event of the presence of methane or monoxide gas, the devices activate beepers and warning lights.

The obligation to equip

The AIGAB (Italian Association of Managers of Short Rents) study centre has found that in Italy, there are currently 640,000 properties in the short rental circuit.

In order to ensure the safety of persons and property, Decree Law 145/2023 (Article 13-ter, Paragraph 7) stipulated that property units for residential use rented for less than 30 days, including for tourist purposes, must be equipped with devices for detecting combustible gases and carbon monoxide.

In the event of a control, fines range from 600 to 6,000 euro per violation established.