Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms — Landlord obligations

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. Reviewed March 2026.

What the rule is

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 expanded requirements that were first introduced in 2015. They require landlords to:

• Install a working smoke alarm on every floor of the property used as living accommodation
• Install a working carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a fixed combustion appliance (gas boiler, log burner, open fire, oil heater — but not a gas cooker)
• Test all alarms on the first day of a new tenancy
• Repair or replace any alarm that is found to be faulty within a reasonable time of being told about it

When it applies

• At the start of every tenancy — alarms must be in place and tested
• Whenever you are told an alarm is faulty — repair or replace promptly
• The requirement applies to all private rented properties in England

What landlords must do

• 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 promptly on notification

What evidence to keep

• A log of alarm positions and installation dates
• Test records for each tenancy start (date, result, who tested)
• Receipts or evidence of replacement alarms
• Any notification from tenants about faulty alarms and your response

Common mistakes

• Forgetting the gas boiler room — a CO alarm is required in any room containing a gas boiler, not just reception rooms with open fires
• Not testing on day one of the tenancy — the legal requirement is to test on the first day of each new tenancy, not just at installation
• No written record of the test — a dated note or photo from move-in is your evidence
• Delaying repairs — once you’re told an alarm is faulty you must act promptly; leaving it unresolved is a breach
• Forgetting the landing or hallway — if a landing or hallway is on a separate floor and used as living accommodation, a smoke alarm is required there

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 both 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 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 testing is good practice and strengthens your evidence trail.

What about HMO properties? HMOs have additional alarm requirements. Consult your local authority’s HMO licensing conditions for the specific requirements applicable to your property.