Smoke and CO alarm regulations for landlords

Legal requirements

For most private tenancies in England, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations require:

• A smoke alarm on every storey that has a room used as living accommodation (bathrooms and toilets count). This has applied since October 2015.
• A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in any room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler, gas fire or wood burner. Gas cookers are not included. This has applied since 1 October 2022.

Alarms must be working on the day each new tenancy starts. Since 1 October 2022 you must also repair or replace an alarm once you are told it is faulty. Some tenancies are excluded, for example lodgers who live with the landlord. Checking alarms at every inspection is good practice.

What type of alarm?

The regulations don't specify a particular type, but sealed lithium battery alarms (10-year life) are recommended over 9V battery models. Mains-wired interlinked alarms are the gold standard for HMOs.

Penalties

A council can serve a remedial notice requiring you to act within 28 days. If you do not comply, it can fine you up to £5,000.

Tracking in Tendmere

Tendmere includes smoke and CO alarms in your compliance checklist. Record when you checked them at the start of each tenancy, and add a date if you want to be reminded to replace an alarm.