Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules for landlords

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In England, landlords must fit a smoke alarm on every storey used wholly or partly as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, except gas cookers [1][2]. Alarms must be working at the start of each new tenancy, and you must repair or replace an alarm once you're told it's faulty [1][2].

What smoke and carbon monoxide alarms do landlords need in England?

  • A smoke alarm on every storey used wholly or partly as living accommodation [1][2].
  • A carbon monoxide alarm in every room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, except gas cookers [1][2].
  • Alarms must be working at the start of each new tenancy [1][2].
  • Repair or replace an alarm once you're told it's faulty [1][2].

Working alarms are also on the NRLA list for every new tenancy [3]. They are a separate rule from the Renters' Rights Act landlord checklist.

Gaffy gives tenants a repair link, so a faulty alarm can be reported with a photo. It's free for the first month, with no card.

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Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm FAQs

Do I need a CO alarm next to a gas cooker?

No. Gas cookers are excluded [1].

Who tests the alarms during a tenancy?

The landlord checks them at the start of each tenancy. After that, tenants should report faults and the landlord must repair or replace the alarm [1].

Is this on the Renters' Rights Act checklist?

It's a separate rule, but NRLA lists working alarms as a requirement for every new tenancy [3]. The Renters' Rights Act landlord checklist is that other page.

How does Gaffy help?

Tenants can report a faulty alarm through their repair link with a photo, and the report is timestamped in your inbox. Gaffy flags gas safety, EICR and EPC certificates before they expire and gives your tenants a repair link that needs no app. The first month is free, then it's £12 a month for up to 5 properties, plus £4 a month for each additional property.

Sources

  1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords/the-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-england-regulations-2015-qa-booklet-for-the-private-rented-sector-landlords-and-tenants
  2. https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/your-landlords-safety-responsibilities
  3. https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/creating-your-tenancy/compliance-checklist-for-new-tenancy

General information, not legal advice.