ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS IN RENTED DWELLINGS
Summary
The Regulations place duties on landlords in the private rented sector in England to ensure that
smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are appropriately installed in occupied rented dwellings,
and to make sure that such alarms are in proper working order at the start of a new tenancy.
What is required?
- A working smoke alarm must be installed on each storey of a dwelling
- A working carbon monoxide alarm must be installed in every room containing a solid fuel burning
appliance
- Checks must be made by or on behalf of the landlord to ensure that each prescribed alarm is in
proper working order on the day the tenancy begins if it is a new tenancy
When is it required?
- The new legislation comes into force on 1 October 2015
- The alarms must be in working order at the start of each new tenancy
Who does it affect?
- All dwelling houses let by private landlords in England only
- The requirements do not apply to an HMO or other dwelling licensed by a local authority as the
requirements under the terms of the existing licence will already exceed the minimum requirements
detailed above
What will happen if I ignore the regulations?
- Your local authority can issue an enforcement notice giving you 28 days to conform
- If you do not comply with the enforcement notice you can be fined up to £5000
Which standards should you conform to?
- The DCLG have stated that they do not propose to publish new guidance for landlords on how you
can meet the new legislation. It is therefore assumed that guidance already in existence in Building
Regulations Approved Documents, BS 5839-6 and BS EN 50292, provide sufficient information for
you to meet the requirements