Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarm rules to be Updated

On the 23rd November 2021, the UK Government announced that the rules for domestic smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within all rented accommodation in England are to be amended.

Following parliamentary approval all landlords in both the social and private rented sectors will be required to repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once they have been informed that they are faulty. The testing throughout the tenancy will continue to remain the tenant’s responsibility. 

The key change to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 will require landlords to ensure that a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in any room of their homes where there is a fixed combustion appliance, including a gas boiler. Where a new fixed combustion appliance is installed a carbon monoxide alarm will be required to be installed by law. Gas cooker appliances are to be excluded from the new rules.

The key changes are:

• smoke alarms will be mandatory in all social rented homes

• carbon monoxide alarms will be mandatory in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) in all rented properties (Social and private rented)

• carbon monoxide alarms will also be mandatory upon installation of any heating appliance (excluding gas cookers)

• landlords will be expected to repair or replace alarms once informed that they are faulty

The UK Government will also amend the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations relating to where alarms are fitted and to ensure that alarms meet relevant standards.

The UK Government will amend the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 and advise when these changes become mandatory.