Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
A landlord in England must fit a smoke alarm on every storey with living space and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, except a gas cooker.
In short: The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended in 2022, require at least one smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker. Alarms must work on the first day of each new tenancy.
Safety certificates and the home
England. Checked against the law on 5 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.
The landlord's duties:
- Smoke alarms: at least one on every storey with a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation (a bathroom or toilet counts).
- Carbon monoxide alarms: in every room used as living accommodation with a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler, oil boiler or wood burner. Gas cookers are excluded.
- Check they work on the first day of each new tenancy, and record it.
- Repair or replace an alarm once told it is faulty.
Councils can serve a remedial notice and fine a landlord up to £5,000 for not complying.
Read more: The certificates every let needs (gas, electrical, EPC, alarms)
Where this comes from
Guides on this
Guide
The certificates every let needs (gas, electrical, EPC, alarms)
A private let in England needs a gas safety record every year, an electrical report every five years, an EPC rated E or better, and working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. What each one is, how often, and what happens if you let without it.
Guide
What is the minimum EPC rating to let a home in England?
A home you let in England needs an EPC rated E or better, unless an exemption is on the PRS Exemptions Register. The planned rise to C from 1 October 2030 is government policy but still needs new law.
Guide
Do I need a licence to let my property? HMO, additional and selective licensing
Five or more people from two or more households need a mandatory HMO licence. Your council may also license smaller HMOs, or every let in an area. How to check, and what happens without one.
Guide
How often does a landlord need an EICR?
Every private let in England needs the electrics inspected and tested at least every five years. Copies to the tenant within 28 days, urgent repairs within 28 days, and a council fine of up to £40,000.
Related terms
Glossary
Category 1 hazard
The most serious level of hazard under the HHSRS. When a council finds one in a home, it must take enforcement action.
Glossary
EICR codes: C1, C2, C3 and FI
The codes an electrician uses on an EICR: C1 danger present, C2 potentially dangerous, FI further investigation needed, C3 improvement recommended.
Glossary
Electrical installation condition report (EICR)
A report by a qualified electrician on the safety of a home's fixed wiring. Every private let in England needs one at least every five years.
Glossary
Energy performance certificate (EPC)
A certificate rating a home's energy efficiency from A (best) to G, valid for ten years. Needed before a home is let or sold, and shown in adverts.
Glossary
Gas Safe register
The official register of businesses and engineers legally allowed to work on gas appliances and fittings in Great Britain. Only a registered engineer may do a landlord's gas check.
Glossary
Gas safety record (CP12)
The record a Gas Safe registered engineer gives after the yearly safety check of every gas appliance and flue a landlord provides. Required for every let home with gas.