Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations for Landlords UK
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations for rental properties. Where alarms must be fitted, testing requirements, and penalties for non-compliance.
The Latch Team
Editorial
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 significantly expanded landlords' obligations around fire and CO safety in rental properties. Since 1 October 2022, all landlords in England must ensure that smoke alarms are fitted on every storey of their rental property and that carbon monoxide alarms are installed in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance.
These regulations replaced the earlier 2015 rules, which only required CO alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances. The 2022 amendment extends the CO alarm requirement to all rooms with a fixed combustion appliance — including gas boilers, gas fires, and oil-fired appliances (but not gas cookers).
Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £5,000 per property. This guide covers exactly what you need to do, where alarms must be fitted, testing requirements, landlord versus tenant responsibilities, and the penalties for failing to comply.
What Do the 2022 Regulations Require?
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which came into force on 1 October 2022, require landlords to:
- Ensure at least one smoke alarm is installed on every storey of the property where there is a habitable room
- Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
- Ensure all alarms are in working order on the day a new tenancy begins
- Repair or replace any alarm reported as faulty by the tenant as soon as reasonably practicable
Key change in 2022: Before the amendment, CO alarms were only required in rooms with solid fuel appliances (coal fires, wood burners). The 2022 amendment extended this to all rooms with any fixed combustion appliance, including gas boilers and gas fires.
Where Must Smoke Alarms Be Fitted?
At least one smoke alarm must be installed on every storey of the property that has a habitable room. Habitable rooms include:
- Bedrooms
- Living rooms and reception rooms
- Kitchens (though heat detectors are recommended here rather than smoke alarms to avoid false alarms)
- Studies, dining rooms, and any other room used for living purposes
Best practice for smoke alarm placement:
- Install on the ceiling, ideally in the centre of the room or hallway
- Avoid placing near kitchens or bathrooms where steam and cooking fumes cause false alarms
- On landings or hallways is the recommended position for each storey
- In rooms with a high or sloped ceiling, follow the manufacturer's guidance on positioning
Where Must Carbon Monoxide Alarms Be Fitted?
A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in any room that contains a fixed combustion appliance. This includes:
- Gas boilers: Whether wall-mounted or floor-standing
- Gas fires: Both open-flued and balanced-flue models
- Oil-fired boilers and heaters: All types
- Wood burners and multi-fuel stoves: All solid fuel appliances
- Open fires: If the property has a working open fireplace
Gas cookers excluded: The regulations specifically exclude gas cookers from the CO alarm requirement. However, installing a CO alarm in the kitchen is still recommended as good practice.
The CO alarm should be positioned at head height on a wall or shelf, approximately 1-3 metres from the combustion appliance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific model.
Testing Requirements
You must ensure all alarms are in working order on the day a new tenancy begins. This means:
- Physically test every smoke and CO alarm before the tenant moves in (press the test button and confirm it sounds)
- Replace any alarms that fail the test or have expired batteries
- Record the date of testing and which alarms were checked
During the Tenancy
Once the tenancy has started, the tenant is responsible for day-to-day testing (pressing the test button). However, if a tenant reports that an alarm is faulty, the landlord must repair or replace it as soon as reasonably practicable.
Hardwired alarms recommended: Battery-operated alarms are cheaper to install but require regular battery replacement. Hardwired alarms with battery backup are more reliable and reduce the risk of alarms being disabled. Latch can track alarm installation dates and remind you when replacements are due.
Landlord vs Tenant Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Landlord | Tenant |
|---|---|---|
| Installing alarms | Yes — must install correct alarms in required locations | No |
| Testing at start of tenancy | Yes — must test and confirm working order | No |
| Day-to-day testing during tenancy | No (unless check-in clause requires it) | Yes — regular testing recommended |
| Replacing batteries | Recommended to provide long-life or hardwired alarms | Can replace batteries in battery-operated alarms |
| Reporting faults | Must respond to reports promptly | Should report any faults to landlord |
| Repairing/replacing faulty alarms | Yes — as soon as reasonably practicable | No |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
If you fail to comply with the alarm regulations, the local authority will:
- Serve a remedial notice: This gives you 28 days to install the required alarms
- Issue a penalty charge: If you fail to comply with the remedial notice within 28 days, the local authority can impose a fine of up to £5,000
- Arrange installation: The local authority may arrange for the alarms to be installed with the tenant's consent and recover the costs from you
£5,000 vs £5 per alarm: A basic smoke alarm costs £5-£15 and a CO alarm costs £15-£25. The maximum penalty for non-compliance is £5,000. There is no financial logic in failing to comply.
Types of Alarms
| Type | Cost | Battery Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery-operated smoke alarm | £5 - £15 | 1-5 years (replaceable) | Budget option, easy to install |
| Sealed 10-year battery smoke alarm | £15 - £30 | 10 years (sealed unit) | Good balance of cost and reliability |
| Hardwired smoke alarm with battery backup | £25 - £50 + installation | Mains powered + battery backup | Best reliability, recommended for landlords |
| Interlinked alarms (wireless) | £25 - £40 each | Varies | When one alarm sounds, all alarms sound |
| Carbon monoxide alarm | £15 - £25 | 5-7 years (sealed unit) | Required in rooms with combustion appliances |
For rental properties, sealed 10-year battery alarms or hardwired alarms with battery backup are recommended. These minimise the need for maintenance and reduce the risk of alarms being disabled by tenants annoyed by low-battery chirps.
How Latch Helps with Alarm Compliance
Latch helps you manage smoke and CO alarm compliance across your portfolio:
Alarm Records
Record the type, location, and installation date of every alarm in each property.
Complete inventory
Replacement Reminders
Set reminders for alarm replacement dates based on manufacturer lifespan recommendations.
Proactive maintenance
Move-In Checklists
Latch includes alarm testing in the move-in checklist, ensuring you test and record every alarm before a new tenant moves in.
Never forget a test
Maintenance Requests
Tenants can report faulty alarms through Latch, and you can track the repair response time.
Fast response
Track Alarm Compliance with Latch
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Get Started with LatchDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements are set out in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (as amended by the 2022 Amendment Regulations). Requirements may differ in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Always follow manufacturer instructions for alarm installation and testing. Last updated February 2026.
