The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1st October 2015 and is being amended by The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 which will come into force on 1 October 2022. From that date, all relevant landlords 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.

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.