Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms — Landlord obligations
Summary
Since October 2022, England landlords must install a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (including gas boilers). Landlords must test all alarms at the start of each new tenancy and repair or replace faulty alarms promptly.
Checklist
- Install a smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (gas boiler, log burner, etc.)
- Test all alarms at the start of each new tenancy
- Record the test date and result
- Repair or replace any faulty alarms within a reasonable time of being notified
- Keep evidence of alarm installation and testing
What to store in the vault
- A log of alarm positions and installation dates
- Test records for each tenancy start
- Receipts or evidence of replacement alarms
- Inspection records for HMOs and mandatory licensed properties
What to log as proof
- Date of testing at the start of each tenancy
- Result of each test (pass/fail)
- Any remedial action taken (battery replacement, alarm replacement)
- Tenant acknowledgement or sign-off on tenancy start checklist
What to include in a compliance pack
- Alarm test record for the current tenancy start
- Alarm positions in the property (room/floor)
FAQ
Must smoke alarms be on every floor? Yes — at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, including landings and hallways.
What counts as a fixed combustion appliance for CO alarms? Any fixed appliance that burns fuel: gas boilers, log burners, open fires, oil heaters. Electric heaters and electric cookers are not combustion appliances.
Are battery-powered alarms acceptable? Yes, provided they are in good working order. Sealed long-life battery alarms or mains-wired alarms are acceptable.
What if a tenant removes an alarm? Document the installation and testing at the start of the tenancy. You are not liable for a tenant’s own actions in removing alarms during the tenancy, but you should address it promptly if made aware.
Do I need to test alarms at every inspection? You are only legally required to test at the start of each tenancy. However, regular inspections and tests are good practice and strengthen your evidence trail.
What about HMO properties? HMOs have additional requirements. Consult your local authority’s HMO licensing conditions for specific requirements.