Install smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
Landlords must make sure that all smoke and CO alarms are working at the start of each tenancy
Landlords must make sure that all smoke and CO alarms are working at the start of each tenancy, and tenants should be encouraged to check their alarms on a monthly basis.
It’s also good practice for you or your managing agent to check the alarms during periodical inspections and keep a written record.
Legally, in England, every floor in a private rented property must be fitted with a working smoke alarm, which is generally best placed in the main circulation space, i.e. the hallway and landings.
A carbon monoxide (CO) detector must be fitted in any room that has a solid fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas or open fire. This is due to extend to gas and oil-fired boilers in autumn 2022.
Safelincs also recommends installing a heat alarm in the kitchen, although this is only a legal requirement in HMOs.
For full information, including guidance for Scotland and Wales, see our separate guide, Are you compliant with smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector regulations?
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