SAFETY
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules for landlords
Where smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required in rented homes in England, and the checks landlords must make at the start of each tenancy.
Last reviewed 27 September 2026 · 3 min read
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 apply to private and social landlords in England from 1 October 2022.
What you must do
- Fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the home that has a room used as living accommodation.
- Fit 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 the alarms are working on the day each new tenancy starts.
- Repair or replace an alarm once you're told it's faulty.
Keep a record
A dated note or photo showing the alarms were tested at the start of the tenancy, for example in your move-in inspection, is simple evidence that you met the requirement.
Official guidance
This guide is general information for landlords in England and isn’t legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and can change. Always check the official guidance or take professional advice for your situation.