Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties

You are here

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 amended by The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 apply to all relevant landlords who must:

1. Ensure at least one smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of their homes where there is a room used as living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.

2. Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

3. Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.

The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

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:

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