Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Legal requirements for landlords

The legislation was introduced to protect tenants from potential harm and to safeguard landlords from potential litigation. Ensuring fire safety is crucial in any home, especially rental properties, where landlords can face substantial fines for non-compliance. Fire damage claims are among the costliest for insurers, with the UK average fire claim value at £19,527 and London at £51,138.

Are smoke alarms required by law?

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 require private sector landlords to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel-burning appliance (e.g., coal fire, wood-burning stove).

If you are renting out a house with two storeys, each must have at least one smoke alarm to meet legal standards. Additionally, a smoke alarm must be fitted in any room where solid fuel is burned, such as a wood burner in the living room.

Although it might seem odd that gas or electric ovens aren't included, The Fire Service explains: “Alarms inside the kitchen must be heat alarms rather than smoke alarms to avoid frequent false alarms. Just outside the kitchen, an optical smoke alarm or a combined smoke and heat alarm should be installed as these are less sensitive to false alarms.”

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Are carbon monoxide alarms required by law?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, and poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood, and coal. Inhaling it can be fatal.

For carbon monoxide alarms, the law in England currently states that they are required only if the house contains a solid fuel-burning appliance. This means any rental property with a fuel-burning appliance, heater, attached garage, or fireplace should have a carbon monoxide alarm.

Where should smoke alarms be installed?

Smoke detectors in rental properties are usually screwed to the ceiling as smoke rises. They should be placed centrally in the room, not too close to walls or light fittings. Consider how tenants will hear the alarm, ensuring it is audible in bedrooms while they sleep.

For flats or single-level properties, the best place for a smoke alarm is between the living area and bedrooms, often in the hallway. If bedrooms have large electrical appliances like a TV or sound system, fit a smoke alarm in there too.

Where should carbon monoxide alarms be installed?

Proper placement of carbon monoxide detectors is crucial for their effectiveness. The Fire Service recommends:

  • If the home has only one carbon monoxide alarm, it should be installed in the main bedroom or hallway outside the sleeping area.
  • An alarm should be installed on every level of the home and in sleeping areas.
  • Place the alarm at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances.
  • Ensure nothing obstructs the unit.
  • Avoid placing the unit in dead air spaces or next to windows or doors.
  • Test the carbon monoxide alarm weekly by pressing the test/reset button.
  • Monthly, unplug the unit and vacuum with a soft-brush attachment or wipe with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust.

What type of alarms should I install as a landlord?

There are various types of alarms available. Research which ones best suit your property and tenants' needs. Heat detectors are not replacements for smoke alarms. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Types of smoke alarms include:

  • Ionisation: Sensitive to small smoke particles from fast flaming fires (e.g., paper, wood), detecting fires before smoke thickens. Not ideal near kitchens due to sensitivity.
  • Optical: Better at detecting larger smoke particles from slow-burning fires (e.g., foam-filled furniture, overheated wiring). Suitable near kitchens but not inside.
  • Heat Alarms: Detect temperature increases, suitable for kitchens as they are insensitive to smoke.

Who should install smoke alarms?

It is advisable to have a qualified Part P and Gas Safe Engineer install any smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your rental property for maximum safety. If you install them yourself, have an engineer check them during the next property inspection to ensure they meet safety standards.

How frequently should landlords check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?

The rules for installing and checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms vary slightly across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. You can find more on landlord safety responsibilities over on Propertymark.

Ideally, landlords should test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms during property visits. Tenants should be reminded to test the alarms during the seasonal clock changes. Additionally, they should regularly clean the alarms by gently vacuuming the sensors with a soft brush attachment to ensure dust doesn't interfere with their functionality.

Batteries need to be changed annually unless it is a ten-year alarm. After ten years, it is best to replace the entire alarm.

Landlords must ensure alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy and provide proof of this.

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