Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

From 1 October 2015 landlords have to ensure that a smoke alarm is fitted on every floor (this includes ground floor entrances stairwells) of their property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation.

They will also have to install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where a solid fuel is burnt, such as wood, coal or biomass and includes open fires. It does not include gas, oil or LPG (bizarrely).

Landlords or agents will then have to ensure that the alarms work at the start of each new tenancy. For example by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds.

Landlords are also required to demonstrate that the alarms were working at the start of the tenancy, so it is advisable to get the tenant to sign a receipt confirming the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working or ensure it’s in the inventory at check-in which is signed by the tenant.

During the tenancy it is a tenant’s responsibility to ensure the alarms work and it is their responsibility to change the batteries during the tenancy. However, should the alarms become faulty during the tenancy landlords are responsible for replacing them.

At Express Property Services we recommend that all properties have at least one smoke alarm on every floor, and at least one carbon monoxide alarm - regardless of the type of fuel being used. These items are not expensive and do save lives!

If you have any questions about the new regulations then please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Smoke and CarbonMonoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 can be read in full here