Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations

Posted : 07/06/2021

Private sector landlords are required from 1 October 2015 to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (eg a coal fire, wood burning stove).

In addition to this, from 1 October 2015, landlords will be required to check that alarms are working at the start of every ‘new tenancy’.

The regulations specifically exclude Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and properties owned by registered social landlords amongst others. HMO’s, hostels etc. are already covered by other legislation and specific guidance already exists to assist landlords determine the appropriate standard of fire detection and alarm. If in doubt, local Fire Protection or local authority housing officers can help determine whether a particular premises is excluded.

The enforcing body will be the relevant local council and the regulations allow for fines of up to £5000 to be imposed.
further information can be found at:- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords