The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1st October 2015 requiring private sector landlords to:

• install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their property (a mezzanine floor is not considered a storey).
• install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. coal fire, wood burning stove).
• check that these alarms are in working order on the day a new tenancy begins.

The regulations apply to existing tenancies as well as new ones. The type of alarm isn't stipulated, however Ipswich Borough Council will expect battery powered as a minimum standard.

A limited amount of alarms have been provided by the Government. You can check if you are eligible for a free alarm online or email fire.businesssupport@suffolk.gov.uk

Ipswich Borough Council, as the local authority, will be responsible for enforcing the regulations and can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice. A Statement of Principles outlining the civic penalty structure can be downloaded below:

• Statement of Principles: The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015

GOV.UK has published a helpful Q & A Booklet giving landlords and tenants more information on the regulations and their enforcement.