Safety in private rented accommodation

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into effect on 1 October 2015 and all landlords must now fit at least one smoke alarm on every floor of their property.

They must also provide and fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room that has a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. a coal fire, wood-burning stove).

Landlords must also make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in working order at the start of every new tenancy.

The new regulations are enforced by the local authority and our officers will be able to impose fines (of up to £5,000) on a landlord who fails to comply with a notice we send to him/her that instructs them to supply and fit working alarms in their property.

Please read each of the following leaflets to see how these changes will affect you:

• Statement of Principles for Monetary Penalty Charges and how the regulations will be enforced;
• The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: Q&A booklet for the private rented sector;
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.

Landlords should be aware that the regulations do not contain all the fire safety requirements that their premises may be subject to. There are fire safety requirements under other legislation that may be applicable, such as under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.