New Law for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
As of 1 October 2015, landlords in England must ensure that every rented property has a working smoke alarm on each storey, and a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in any room with a solid fuel-burning a ppliance. The rules are designed to cut preventable fires and protect tenants — with enforcement driven by local authorities.
Why this matters
You are four times more likely to die in a house fire if there isn’t a working smoke alarm. Unsafe rental homes have historically contributed to avoidable injury and death, especially in older or poorly maintained properties.
If alarms are missing or defective, councils can issue enforcement notices and formal penalties of up to £5,000 for non-compliance.
Support for landlords
Government and Fire & Rescue Services have previously provided free alarms to private landlords to encourage rapid adoption. This initiative helped raise awareness of responsibilities o utlined in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations.
Tenants should test alarms when they move in and regularly thereafter. Nearly one fifth of fatal home fires were linked to alarms fitted but not working — often because of flat batteries or improper installation.
For further guidance on safe compliance and duty of care, see our Unit 201 – Health & Safety learning hub:
https://elec.training/learning/unit-201-health-and-safety/
London Fire Brigade focus
London Fire Brigade has identified neighbourhoods across the capital where fire risk is higher due to property age, poor electrical standards or vulnerable tenants. They continue to promote fire-safe behaviours and awareness of legal obligations, especially among absentee landlords.
If you work in the electrical sector and support rented properties transitioning to competent compliance, our Gold Card Course
helps you progress toward the industry benchmark:
https://elec.training/gold-card-course/
Helping tenants and landlords stay protected
Clear, confident communication is essential — especially when explaining electrical risk, alarms placement and maintenance. Explore our resources on delivering important safety information clearly and professionally:
Communication lesson – 1
https://elec.training/learning/unit-210-communication/lesson/communication-methods-1/
Communication lesson – 3
https://elec.training/learning/unit-210-communication/lesson/communication-methods-3/
Tenants should report any missing, tampered or faulty alarms immediately and landlords must act without delay. A working alarm buys time — and saves lives.
If you’d like structured learning and compliance-ready s upport from a trusted UK training provider, explore Elec Training:
https://elec.training/
FAQs
What does the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 require landlords to do?
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended in 2022, require landlords in both private and social rented sectors to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property where there is a room used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Landlords must ensure alarms are in proper working order at the start of each new tenancy, including testing them on the first day, and repair or replace faulty alarms promptly upon notification.
Where must smoke alarms be fitted in a rented property?
Smoke alarms must be fitted on every storey of the rented property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation, typically installed on the ceiling in hallways or landings, at least 30cm from walls or light fittings, and away from kitchens or bathrooms to avoid false alarms.
When is a carbon monoxide alarm legally required in a rental home?
A carbon monoxide alarm is legally required in any room of a rental home that contains a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler, wood-burning stove, or gas fire (excluding gas cookers). This applies to all new tenancies starting from October 1, 2022, and must be in working order at the start of the tenancy.
What are the penalties for landlords who fail to comply with the alarm regulations?
Landlords who fail to comply can face a remedial notice from local authorities requiring action within 28 days; non-compliance may result in a civil penalty fine of up to £5,000 per breach. Repeated offenses could lead to higher fines or further enforcement actions.
Why are working smoke alarms so critical for tenant safety?
Working smoke alarms are critical because they provide early warning of fires, reducing the risk of fatalities by up to 50%, as fires can spread rapidly, especially at night. Statistics show that over 90% of Britons don’t test alarms regularly, leading to higher risks, with smoke alarms proven to save lives by alerting occupants in time to escape.
Who is responsible for testing smoke and CO alarms in rental properties?
Landlords are responsible for testing smoke and CO alarms on the first day of a new tenancy to ensure they are working. During the tenancy, tenants are responsible for ongoing testing (recommended monthly) and reporting faults to the landlord, who must then repair or replace them promptly.
How have government schemes helped landlords install alarms more quickly?
Government schemes, such as those outlined in the 2022 amendments and explanatory booklets, have provided guidance and requirements that encourage prompt installation, particularly in social housing where providers like Bolton at Home have rolled out widespread CO alarm fittings. For private landlords, resources like Q&A guides and proposed amendments (e.g., potential heat alarms in kitchens from April 2025) streamline compliance, though no specific funding schemes are highlighted for 2025 beyond regulatory support.
What should tenants do if alarms are missing or not working?
Tenants should first notify their landlord or letting agent in writing about missing or faulty alarms. If the landlord does not respond or fix the issue promptly, tenants can report it to the local authority’s environmental health or housing department, which can issue a remedial notice to the landlord. In emergencies like suspected CO leaks, tenants should evacuate, seek fresh air, and contact emergency services.
How do local authorities enforce compliance with alarm regulations?
Local authorities enforce compliance by investigating complaints, issuing remedial notices requiring landlords to install or repair alarms within 28 days, and imposing civil penalties of up to £5,000 for non-compliance. They can also carry out the work themselves and recover costs from the landlord.
Where can landlords and electricians get guidance on legal safety requirements?
Landlords and electricians can get guidance from official sources like the GOV.UK website, which provides Q&A booklets and explanatory notes on the regulations; organizations such as Propertymark, Total Landlord Insurance, and the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA); and professional bodies like Electrical Safety First or trade associations for installation advice.
