Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Landlords must provide working smoke and CO alarms. Your rights and what to check.
Your landlord must provide working smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances or gas appliances.
Requirements
- Smoke alarm on every floor used as living accommodation
- Carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance (wood burner, coal fire)
- Carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a gas appliance (since October 2022)
- Alarms must be working at the start of each new tenancy
Testing and Maintenance
While your landlord must ensure alarms are working when your tenancy starts, it's usually your responsibility to test them regularly and replace batteries during the tenancy.
Test your smoke and CO alarms monthly. Report any problems to your landlord in writing.
If Alarms Are Missing or Not Working
Report this to your landlord immediately in writing. If they don't act, contact your local council. The council can fine landlords up to £5,000 for not complying.
Official Sources
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