Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Landlord Requirements
Landlords in the UK have a legal duty to ensure that rented properties are safe for tenants, which includes fitting smoke alarms and, where necessary, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The requirements are set out in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended in 2022. These rules apply to most types of rented accommodation, including houses, flats, and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Smoke alarm requirements
Landlords must install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of a property where there is living accommodation. For example, a two-storey house must have a minimum of one smoke alarm upstairs and one downstairs. Alarms can be battery-powered or hardwired, but they must be in good working order.
Carbon monoxide detector requirements
Landlords must install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler, fire, or solid fuel-burning stove. The only exception is appliances solely used for cooking (e.g. a standard gas cooker), although best practice is to fit alarms near these as well.
Testing obligations
Landlords are required to ensure that all smoke alarms and CO detectors are tested and working at the start of each new tenancy. After that, responsibility for regular testing (such as pressing the test button) usually passes to the tenant, although landlords should encourage tenants to test alarms monthly and report any faults immediately.
Replacement and maintenance
If a tenant reports that an alarm is not working, the landlord must repair or replace it as soon as reasonably practicable. Alarms should also be replaced when they reach the end of their manufacturer’s lifespan, which is usually around 7–10 years.
Enforcement and penalties
Local housing authorities are responsible for enforcing the regulations. If a landlord fails to comply, the authority can serve a remedial notice and, if ignored, arrange for the work to be done themselves. Landlords may also face a civil penalty of up to £5,000 per breach.
Best practice
Although the law sets minimum requirements, many landlords choose to go further by:
- Installing smoke alarms in every bedroom and main living area
- Using interlinked alarms for greater safety
- Providing guidance to tenants on testing and maintaining alarms
- Testing and replacing alarm batteries before each tenancy begins
To conclude
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. By fitting, testing, and maintaining them correctly, landlords not only meet their legal obligations but also provide tenants with vital protection against two of the most serious risks in rental housing: fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.