Private sector landlords must install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from 1 October 2015.
From October 2015 the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 require most private sector landlords, to:
- install a smoke alarm on every floor of their property
- install a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms of their properties which use or burn solid fuels
- check that alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy
Tenants are responsible for testing and ensuring alarms are working during the course of any tenancy, and if found to be faulty or not working for any reason to liaise with their landlord to make sure this is addressed.
These regulations relate to most privately rented property with some minor exemptions that are in some cases covered by other legislation.
These regulations apply to all 'specified tenancies', i.e. residential premises where a person or persons have a right to occupy the premises and rent is payable. A range of tenancies are excluded including registered social landlords, lodgers, long-leases, student halls of residence, hostels and refuges, care homes, hospitals and hospices.
If the landlord fails to meet the new regulations the council can arrange for them to be fitted and issue a penalty charge notice up to £5,000.
London Fire Brigade - free home fire safety visits for tenants
Tenants wanting to have a free home fire safety visit should book via the web site or call the London Fire Brigade Freephone number 08000 28 44 28.
Book a home safety visit with London Fire Brigade
For further information please contact the Private Housing & Health Service:
020 8753 1081