Law 191/2023: gas detectors become mandatory for short-term rentals

Short-term rentals have been growing steadily for many years, thanks to the growing popularity of platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. However, as this sector grows, so does the importance of ensuring the safety of guests. To this end, Law 191 was introduced, a regulation that imposes stricter safety measures for owners of properties intended for short-term rentals. One of the most significant provisions of this law is the obligation to install gas detectors, a fundamental device for preventing domestic accidents.

In this article, we will explore Law 191 in detail, specifying the obligations for owners, the importance of gas detectors and how to comply with the regulation to guarantee a safe environment for your guests.

Table of Contents

• The new regulation in detail
• How to Comply with the Regulation
• Benefits of Compliance with Law 191

The new regulation in detail

What is Law 191/2023?

Law 191 is a recent law that aims to regulate the short-term rental sector, with a particular focus on tenant safety. Among the various provisions, one of the most relevant is the obligation for owners to install gas detectors in properties intended for this type of rental.

This law was introduced to address the growing demand for home safety in short-term rentals. With the boom of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, it has become increasingly urgent to establish clear guidelines to ensure the safety of guests.

There Law 191 establishes that all owners of properties intended for short-term rental must equip their properties with gas detectors. This device is essential to promptly report any gas leaks, thus preventing potentially serious accidents.

The obligation concerns all owners who rent properties for short periods, regardless of the platform used to make the rental. Whether it is a privately managed rental or through an online service, owners will have to comply with the new regulation.

Learn more and consult the Advance Decree for short-term rentals.

Importance of Security in Short Term Rentals

Gas, both natural and liquid, is a vital energy resource used in many homes for heating, cooking, and water heating. The most common types of gas used in homes are methane (natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Although extremely useful, the use of gas also presents significant risks that should not be underestimated.

Gas is highly flammable. A gas leak can create an explosive environment if the gas comes into contact with an ignition source, such as a spark or open flame. This risk is increased in enclosed spaces where gas can build up rapidly.

A high concentration of gas in the air can reduce the amount of available oxygen, causing suffocation. This is especially dangerous in poorly ventilated areas.

Given the danger of gas, it is essential to adopt adequate preventive measures to ensure home safety. Among these, the installation of gas detectors is essential for early detection of leaks and prevention of serious accidents. These devices can literally save lives by alerting home occupants to the presence of gas before the situation becomes critical.

How to Comply with the Regulation

What are gas detectors?

Gas detectors are crucial devices for home safety, as they are able to immediately signal the presence of gas flammables such as methane or propane in the air. This function is vital to prevent potential explosions or poisoning.

Installing gas detectors significantly reduces the risk of domestic accidents, protecting guests and ensuring a safe and controlled environment. This is especially important in short-term rental settings, where guests may not be familiar with the home’s systems.

Legally compliant devices must comply with European legislationEN 50291-1:2010:"Electrical devices for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic environments".Furthermore, the detectors must comply with European legislation.EN 50194 and IMQ certified,they must be powered by the mains and connected to the home's electrical system.

Types of Gas Detectors Available

Gas detectors are safety devices designed to detect the presence of flammable or toxic gases in the air, such as methane, The LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and the carbon monoxide (CO). When they detect a gas concentration above the safety threshold, they emit an audible and visual alarm to warn people present and prevent potential accidents such as explosions, fires or poisoning.

There are several types of gas detectors on the market, including battery powered and those connected to the electrical network. It is essential to choose certified and reliable devices, equipped with audible and visual alarms for timely reporting.

Among the main features of a good gas detector are:

• the precision and accuracy of the measurement (to avoid false alarms)
• ease of use
• the safety

For those looking for specific and reliable solutions, the range of new methane, LPG and carbon monoxide detector KITS Vemer allows for the creation of safe and secure environments.

I RGG + RGCO KIT and the RGM + RGCO KIT allow you to correctly comply with the new regulations, offering total safety and ease of use. Each kit is equipped with two detectors: one for LPG or methane gas and one for carbon monoxide) equipped with alarm relays for the control of solenoid valves or other safety devices.

It is advisable to install a gas leak detector with solenoid valve such as the CD98 model with manual reset solenoid valve. Tecnogas.

Main features

Gas detectors Vemer are designed to monitor the presence of potentially dangerous gases in domestic and industrial environments. Here are the main features of the kits Vemer RGG + RGCO KIT And RGM + RGCO KIT:

RGG + RGCO KIT

The RGG detector It is designed to detect the presence of LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), which is often used in households for cooking and heating. This detector has a compact and durable design, easy to install on a wall. It is built with high-quality materials that ensure long life and reliability.

The alarm system occurs according to:

• Visual Indication: The detector is equipped with LED lights that show the status of the device:

• Green: Normal operation.
• Red: Gas leak alarm.
• Yellow: Error or malfunction status.

• Sound Alarm: Emission of loud acoustic signals in case of detection of high concentrations of LPG, immediately alerting the occupants of the risk.

The device must be mounted high because LPG is heavier than air and will tend to settle downwards. The detector must be installed in strategic locations near potential sources of leakage.

The RGCO detector is dedicated to monitoring Carbon Monoxide (CO), an odorless and very dangerous gas that can be released from faulty combustion appliances. Similar to the RGG, this detector is built to last and has a compact and discreet design. It is easy to wall mount and has a simple to understand user interface.

The alarm system occurs according to:

• Visual Indication: LED lights indicating operating status:

• Green: Normal operation.
• Red: Carbon Monoxide Alarm.
• Yellow: Error or malfunction state.

• Sound Alarm: A loud audible signal is emitted if dangerous concentrations of CO are detected.

This detector can be installed anywhere in the room since Carbon Monoxide has the same density as air and is distributed evenly.

RGM + RGCO KIT

The RGM detector It is dedicated to the detection of Methane gas (CH₄), commonly used in domestic and industrial supplies for heating and cooking.

This detector is robust and long-lasting, with a compact design and suitable for wall installation. It is simple to use and intuitive in its indications. The Alarm System occurs according to:

• Visual Indication: Equipped with LED lights for:

• Green: Operational.
• Red: Methane gas leak alarm.
• Yellow: Error or malfunction.

• Sound Alarm: Emits a loud beep to warn of gas leak.

The detector must be installed near the ceiling because methane is lighter than air and tends to accumulate upwards.

Common Features of Both Kits

• Sensitivity and Precision: High sensitivity to detect even low gas concentrations, preventing dangerous situations.
• Ease of Installation: The kits are designed for easy installation and maintenance, with clear and detailed manuals.
• Reliability and Durability: Built to ensure reliable operation over time.
• Self-test function: Both kits include a self-test function to ensure that the devices are in optimal operating condition.

The kits Vemer KIT RGG + RGCO and KIT RGM + RGCO provide effective solutions for home and industrial security. By promptly detecting the presence of dangerous gases such as LPG, Methane and Carbon Monoxide, these devices significantly contribute to the prevention of accidents and improve the general safety of the environments in which they are installed.

The best gas leak detectors

Where to place the carbon monoxide detector?

Properly positioning the detectors is crucial for timely and effective detection. Experts recommend installing the carbon monoxide detector at least 1.5 meters from the floor, as the gas tends to mix uniformly with the air. It is important to place it near the bedrooms to ensure that the alarm can be heard in the event of a leak during the night. Avoid placing the detector too close to fireplaces, stoves or appliances which could generate temporary gas emissions, causing false alarms.

Furthermore, if the house is spread over several floors, it is advisable to position a detector on every level for optimal coverage. Remember to avoid installations in extremely humid spaces, such as bathrooms, or near windows, where excessive ventilation could hinder the detector's ability to adequately detect carbon monoxide. Finally, it is essential test regularly service the device and follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure optimal functioning over time.

Benefits of Compliance with Law 191

Complying with Law 191 is not only a legal obligation, but also demonstrates a real commitment to guest safety. This can greatly improve the tenant experience and contribute to positive reviews.

Regulatory compliance protects owners from potential fines and legal issues. Being in compliance with the law means operating in an environment of greater peace of mind and security.

Conclusions

The entry into force of Law 191 represents an important step forward for the regulation of short-term rentals, with a particular focus on guest safety. Installing gas detectors is not only a legal requirement, but a sensible practice to protect all those who stay in properties used for this type of rental. Complying with the legislation, in fact, brings significant advantages both in terms of safety what of legal compliance. Make sure you are compliant and provide a safe environment for your guests to ensure a positive and worry-free experience.