Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: the landlord rules
Landlords in England must fit a smoke alarm on every storey and, since 1 October 2022, a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance.
Checked against the sources below on 21 October 2026. England only.
In short
- At least one smoke alarm on each storey with a room used as living accommodation.
- A carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that has a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler or wood burner. Gas cookers are excluded.
- Check every alarm works on the day a new tenancy starts.
- Repair or replace an alarm once you’re told it’s faulty.
- A council can fine up to £5,000 if you don’t comply with a remedial notice.
During the tenancy
If an alarm stops working, tenants should first try new batteries. If it still doesn’t work, they should tell you, and you must repair or replace it.
Faults reported, and fixed, in one place
Tenants can report a faulty alarm from their LieuTenant login. You see it with the other repairs, reply, and keep a record of when it was fixed.
Questions
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm next to a gas cooker?
No. Gas cookers are excluded. The rule covers rooms with other fixed combustion appliances, such as boilers and wood burners.
Sources
- The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations: Q&A for landlords (GOV.UK)
- Your landlord’s safety responsibilities (GOV.UK)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; check the sources or a professional before acting.