Under current regulations, which have been in effect since 1 October 2015, landlords have only needed to ensure that a smoke alarm is fitted on every floor of their property where there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation.

They also must put a carbon monoxide alarm in any room where a solid fuel is burnt, such as wood, coal or biomass and includes open fires.

It does not include gas, oil or LPG. Landlords or agents must ensure that the alarms work at the start of each new tenancy.

Upcoming changes to be aware of

In November 2020 there was an industry consultation and housing Minister Eddie Hughes MP had proposed the following key changes to the rules:

• Carbon monoxide alarms will be mandatory in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) in both private and social rented homes.

• Carbon monoxide alarms will also be mandatory upon installation of any heating appliance (excluding gas cookers) in all tenures through building regulations

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

• Smoke alarms will be mandatory in all social rented homes

Recommended action to be compliant

If you are a private landlord or registered providers of social housing, we recommend that if you are not currently compliant with these regulations to consider installation or repair of these alarms immediately to avoid the risk of being fined for breaching the rules as soon as they come into force.

As it stands the current regulations only oblige landlords to check that alarms are in working order on the first day of a new tenancy. Ahead of implementation, agents and their landlords should start now to plan for the changes and the impact on management practices going forward.

The cost of the new requirements to install and maintain alarms will fall to property owners.

Eddie Hughes MP, Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing, said:

It is fundamentally right for people to feel safe in their own homes – an issue I’ve advocated for many years.

Around 20 people are killed each year in accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and many more through house fires – but we know that simple interventions can stop these needless deaths.

I’m proud that the new rules being proposed will ensure even more homes are fitted with life-saving alarms. Whether you own your home, are privately renting or in social housing – everyone deserves to feel safe and this is an incredibly important step in protecting those at risk.

The reforms follow a 2-month consultation, and changes will be brought forward through the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 and the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations.

If you are a landlord and need advice about the upcoming changes in regulation do get in touch. We are one of London’s leading bespoke real estate firms and would be delighted to help you.

Call direct on + 44 (0) 207 993 4081 or simply send an email for a fast response.

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