Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 amended by The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

Requirements for landlords

Landlords must:

  • Install a smoke alarm on every floor of their property where there is living accommodation. This has been a legal requirement in the private rented sector since 2015.
  • Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is equipped in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
  • Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.

Enforcement and penalties

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:

Additional resources

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