Smoke and CO Alarm Requirements, What English Landlords Must Provide
Since October 2022, stricter rules on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms apply to all rented homes in England. This guide explains exactly what landlords must provide and where.
Published: 16 Mar 2026 · Updated: 16 Mar 2026 · 5 min read
The Legal Framework
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into force on 1 October 2022, extending and strengthening requirements that had previously applied only to private rented properties. The regulations now cover the social rented sector as well, and the obligations for all landlords in England are the same.
The regulations are enforced by local housing authorities. A landlord who fails to comply can be issued a remedial notice and, if they do not act within 28 days, face a civil penalty of up to £5,000.
What Must Be Installed
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Smoke alarms | At least one on every storey used as living accommodation |
| Carbon monoxide alarms | In every room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) |
| CO alarm, solid fuel | Required where any solid fuel appliance is installed (e.g. wood-burning stove, open fire) |
| CO alarm, gas boilers | Required since October 2022 in rooms containing a gas boiler or gas fire |
| Testing | Must be tested and shown to be in working order at the start of each new tenancy |
What Counts as a Fixed Combustion Appliance?
A fixed combustion appliance includes:
- Gas boilers and gas fires
- Oil-fired boilers
- Wood-burning stoves and multi-fuel stoves
- Open fireplaces (when in use)
- Solid fuel Aga or Rayburn-style cookers
Gas cookers are specifically excluded from the carbon monoxide alarm requirement, though many safety organisations recommend installing a CO alarm in any kitchen with a gas hob regardless.
Landlord Responsibilities vs Tenant Responsibilities
Landlords must ensure alarms are installed and working at the start of each tenancy. However, it is reasonable to expect tenants to maintain alarms during the tenancy, for example, replacing low batteries.
If a tenant reports that an alarm has stopped working, the landlord must take reasonable steps to repair or replace it within a reasonable time. Removing or disabling alarms is never acceptable.
Interlinked Alarms
The regulations do not currently require interlinked alarms (where all alarms activate simultaneously when one is triggered), though this is recommended best practice, particularly in larger or multi-storey properties. Scottish regulations do require interlinked alarms in all homes.
Exceptions and HMOs
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) are subject to additional and more prescriptive fire safety requirements under the Housing Act 2004 and the Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Mandatory Conditions of Licences) (England) Regulations 2018. HMO licence conditions routinely specify the grade, positioning, and interlinking requirements for fire detection systems.
Record-Keeping
Landlords are strongly advised to keep written records that alarms were present and tested at the start of each tenancy. Property Passport UK allows landlords to store compliance documents, including alarm testing records and certificates, alongside their property's other safety documentation, creating a clear audit trail.
Where to Find Further Guidance
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) publishes guidance for landlords on smoke and CO alarms. Local housing authorities can also advise on enforcement and compliance.
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