Table of contents
Key points
- Landlords in England must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation.
- A carbon monoxide alarm is required in every room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or wood burner. Gas cookers are excluded.
- Alarms must be working on the first day of each new tenancy, and repaired or replaced once you’re told they’re faulty.
- The rules cover private and social landlords. Councils can fine landlords up to £5,000 for failing to comply with a remedial notice.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations at a glance
The rules come from the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, updated by the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which came into force on 1 October 2022. The GOV.UK guidance for landlords and tenants sets out what you must do:
| Requirement | What the law says |
|---|---|
| Smoke alarms | At least one on every storey used as living accommodation |
| Carbon monoxide alarms | In every room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers |
| Start of tenancy | All alarms in proper working order on the day the tenancy begins |
| Faulty alarms | Repaired or replaced once you’re told and they’re found to be faulty |
| Penalty | Fine of up to £5,000 for failing to comply with a council remedial notice |
Smoke alarm rules for landlords
You need at least one working smoke alarm on each storey of the home that is used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A bathroom or toilet counts as living accommodation, so a floor with only a bathroom still needs an alarm.
The regulations don’t set exact positions, but the guidance suggests fitting smoke alarms on the ceiling in a circulation space, such as a hallway or landing, where they can be heard throughout the home.
Carbon monoxide alarm rules for landlords
A carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance. This includes:
- gas boilers
- gas or oil fires
- wood burners and open fires
- other fixed appliances that burn fuel
Gas cookers are excluded, so a kitchen with only a gas hob doesn’t need a CO alarm under the regulations. The guidance suggests fitting CO alarms at head height, about 1 to 3 metres from the appliance.
Need your alarms checked?
Our fire safety certificate covers smoke alarm and fire alarm checks for landlords across London, from £60.
Testing alarms at the start of a tenancy
You must make sure every alarm is working on the day a new tenancy begins. The simplest way is to test each alarm with its test button at check-in, and record it on the inventory or check-in report, ideally signed by the tenant.
During the tenancy, tenants are encouraged to test alarms regularly, for example once a month, and to report any faults to you.
What to do when an alarm is faulty
Since 2022, landlords must repair or replace a smoke or CO alarm once they’re told it’s faulty and it is found to be faulty. Act as soon as practicable, and keep a record of when you were told and when you fixed it.
Which type of alarm should landlords use?
The regulations don’t specify the type of alarm. Both hard-wired and battery alarms are acceptable. If you use battery alarms, models with sealed long-life batteries are the better choice, because they can’t be removed by tenants.
If you need hard-wired alarms or a full fire alarm system fitted, our sister company Haven Safety Certificates offers fire alarm installation in London.
HMOs and larger properties often need a more advanced fire alarm system under licensing conditions or a fire risk assessment, and regular fire door inspections. See our guide to fire risk assessment costs and whether you need a fire safety certificate.
Who do the regulations apply to?
The rules apply to homes rented by private landlords and by registered providers of social housing. Excluded tenancies include:
- lodgers sharing accommodation with the landlord or the landlord’s family
- long leases
- student halls of residence
- hostels and refuges
- care homes, hospitals and hospices
- low-cost home ownership homes
Penalties for not complying
If a council believes a landlord isn’t complying, it must serve a remedial notice. If the landlord doesn’t take the required action, the council can arrange the work itself and impose a fine of up to £5,000.
Other safety checks landlords need
- an annual gas safety certificate (CP12)
- an electrical safety certificate (EICR) at least every 5 years
- a valid EPC
See the full checklist in our guide to what certificates landlords need.
Frequently asked questions
Do landlords have to provide smoke alarms?
Yes. In England, landlords must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, and make sure they work on the first day of each new tenancy.
Do landlords need a carbon monoxide alarm for a gas boiler?
Yes. A CO alarm is required in any room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance, including a gas boiler. Gas cookers are excluded.
Do smoke alarms in rented properties have to be hard-wired?
No. The regulations don’t specify the type. Battery alarms are allowed, and sealed long-life battery models are recommended.
Who is responsible for testing smoke alarms?
The landlord must check alarms work on the first day of the tenancy. After that, tenants are encouraged to test them regularly and report faults.
What is the fine for not having smoke alarms?
Councils can impose a fine of up to £5,000 if a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
Keep your rental safe and compliant
Book a fire safety certificate, gas safety certificate or EICR with Landlord Sure, with qualified engineers and digital reports.
