What the law says
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended from 1 October 2022, require landlords to:
- fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation;
- fit a carbon monoxide alarm in every room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler or wood burner (gas cookers are excluded);
- check the alarms are working on the first day of each new tenancy;
- repair or replace an alarm once they are told it is faulty.
Where alarms are needed
| Where | Alarm needed |
|---|---|
| Every storey with living accommodation, including a bathroom or toilet | Smoke alarm |
| A room with a gas boiler, gas fire, oil boiler or wood burner | Carbon monoxide alarm |
| A room with only a gas cooker | Not required, though recommended |
| A storey that is only a loft or cellar not lived in | Not required |
The regulations don't say what type of alarm to fit. Sealed 10-year battery alarms meet the rules. An HMO licence, or the building regulations for new work, may require mains-wired alarms.
Penalties
If the council believes an alarm is missing or not working, it must serve a remedial notice. If you don't comply within 28 days, the council can fit the alarms itself and fine you up to £5,000.
What changed in 2026
The alarm rules didn't change in 2026. What did change is how you show compliance: new tenants get a written statement of terms from 1 May 2026, and your safety records will be part of your property entry on the private rented sector database. Keeping a dated note or photo from the first day of each tenancy is the simplest evidence.
How LetRecord helps
LetRecord adds the smoke alarm duty to every property, and the carbon monoxide duty where there is mains gas or you record a fixed combustion appliance. Upload a photo or note of the alarms as evidence.
Common questions
Do I have to test the alarms during the tenancy?
No. You must check they work on the first day of each new tenancy. After that, tenants should test them, and you must repair or replace an alarm once you are told it is faulty.
Does a gas cooker need a carbon monoxide alarm?
No. Gas cookers are excluded, but an alarm is still a good idea, and any other fixed gas, oil or solid fuel appliance does need one.
Do alarms have to be mains-wired?
Not under these regulations. Battery alarms are fine, though an HMO licence may set stricter conditions.
Do the rules apply to lodgers in my home?
No. They apply to rented homes where you don't live yourself. Licensed HMOs are covered by equivalent licence conditions instead.
Official sources
This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not legal advice.
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