Smoke and CO Alarms (England)
Private landlords in England must ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed and working in their rental properties.
Amanda flags this topic for awareness. Amanda does not verify or manage individual landlord obligations.
Legislation
The requirement comes from the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended by the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022. The 2022 amendment extended the CO alarm requirement to all rooms with fixed combustion appliances (excluding gas cookers).
What is required
- A smoke alarm on every storey of the property that has living accommodation
- A carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
- All alarms must be checked and confirmed as working at the start of each new tenancy
- Alarms should be replaced in line with the manufacturer’s guidance
Fixed combustion appliances
A CO alarm is required in rooms that contain appliances such as:
- Gas boilers and gas fires
- Oil-fired boilers
- Wood-burning stoves and open fires
- Coal fires
Gas cookers are specifically excluded from the CO alarm requirement, though installing one is still recommended as good practice.
Penalties
If a landlord fails to comply after being served a remedial notice by the local authority, they face a penalty of up to £5,000.
What Amanda helps you understand
- That smoke and CO alarms are a legal requirement in England
- Where alarms must be installed and when they must be checked
- Why this was flagged (you own and rent out property in England)
Amanda does not track alarm installation or tenancy check dates. For detailed guidance, consult your letting agent or local authority.
Official source
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: explanatory booklet for landlords — GOV.UK