The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 took effect on 1 October 2015.
Updated rules under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 are set to take effect on 1 October 2022. From that date, all relevant landlords must:
- Ensure at least one smoke alarm is installed on each story of any home with rooms used as living accommodations. This requirement has been in place for privately rented properties since 2015.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
- Repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as needed, following notification that they are faulty.
Local authorities enforce these requirements and may issue fines of up to £5,000 if a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.
This booklet provides guidance on these requirements, including who must follow them and how they are enforced. It presents common questions and answers but is not intended to cover every possible scenario. It should not replace a full reading of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2022.
These regulations should be viewed in conjunction with other fire and carbon monoxide safety laws for rented properties, such as the Housing Act 2004, Fire Safety Act 2021, and Building Safety Act 2022.
The department aims to update this booklet whenever there are changes; however, it is ultimately the landlord’s responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
If you have questions after reading this booklet about how these requirements apply to your specific situation, consider seeking legal advice.
