Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms — Legal Requirements for Landlords

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 updated and strengthened the requirements for landlords in England to install and maintain alarms in rented properties.

What the Regulations Require

As of 1 October 2022, landlords in England must:

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property where there is a room used as living accommodation
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) — this includes rooms with gas boilers, oil boilers, solid fuel burners, and log-burning stoves
• Ensure all alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy
• Repair or replace any faulty alarm as soon as reasonably practicable after being notified by the tenant

Testing on Day One

Landlords must test all smoke and CO alarms on the first day of a new tenancy. Document this in the check-in inventory — ask the tenant to sign confirmation that alarms were tested and found to be working. After the tenancy begins, tenants are responsible for testing alarms regularly (monthly testing is recommended) and reporting any faults promptly.

What Type of Alarm?

The regulations do not specify the type of alarm. However, long-life sealed battery alarms or mains-wired interconnected alarms are recommended. Interconnected alarms (where activating one alarm triggers all others in the property) provide the best protection, particularly in larger or multi-storey properties. For carbon monoxide, alarms certified to BS EN 50291 are recommended.

Enforcement and Penalties

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations. If a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice from the local authority, they can be issued with a civil penalty of up to £5,000. Redbridge London Borough Council, Barking & Dagenham Council, and Havering Council each have enforcement powers within their respective boundaries.

HMO Properties

For Houses in Multiple Occupation, the requirements under the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 and any conditions attached to the HMO licence may impose additional requirements, including interconnected fire detection systems. Always check your specific licence conditions.