The regulations
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended by the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, set the rules. The amendments came into force on 1 October 2022 and extended the duties to social landlords as well as private ones.
What landlords must do
- Smoke alarms: at least one on each storey of the home where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A hallway or landing counts as living accommodation.
- Carbon monoxide alarms: in any room used wholly or partly as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas or oil boiler or a wood burner. Gas cookers are excluded.
- First-day check: make sure every alarm is in proper working order on the day a new tenancy begins.
- Repairs: repair or replace an alarm as soon as reasonably practicable after being told it is faulty.
Which alarms to fit
The regulations do not specify a type. Sealed ten-year battery alarms meet the rules and remove the problem of tenants taking batteries out. Mains powered, interlinked alarms are required by building regulations in new builds and major refurbishments, and are often a licence condition for HMOs. Carbon monoxide alarms should meet BS EN 50291.
Penalties
A local authority that believes a landlord has breached the regulations can serve a remedial notice. If the landlord does not comply within 28 days, the authority can fit the alarms itself and impose a civil penalty of up to £5,000.
How this fits with electrical safety
Mains powered alarms are part of the fixed installation and are inspected as part of the five-yearly EICR. See our guide to landlord electrical safety rules.
How we help
Mister Electrics supplies, fits and tests smoke and CO alarms, including mains interlinked systems, and can check them at the start of each tenancy on behalf of letting agents. Managing a portfolio? Try our free compliance review.
Questions
Do landlords have to provide carbon monoxide alarms?
Yes, in England, in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance such as a boiler, gas fire or wood burner. Gas cookers are excluded.
Do smoke alarms in rented homes have to be hardwired?
Not under the smoke and CO alarm regulations, which only require working alarms. Building regulations require mains powered interlinked alarms in new builds and major refurbishments, and HMO licences often require them.
Does the smoke alarm law apply to social housing?
Yes. Since 1 October 2022 the duties apply to social landlords as well as private landlords in England.
What is the fine for no smoke alarm in a rental?
Up to £5,000, imposed by the local authority if a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
Need it done? Call 07703 295654, answered 24/7, or request a free compliance review for a portfolio.