What are my responsibilities?
If you're a landlord in the UK, by law you must:
- install one smoke alarm on each storey of your rental property
- install one carbon monoxide alarm in any room that contains a solid fuel (such as coal, charcoal, wood and wood pellets) burning appliance
- test each alarm at the beginning of the tenancy.
Responsibility rests with landlords for fitting the alarms. Alarms should be fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to penalties of up to £5,000.
Where can I find out more?
See GOV.UK for:
- home fire safety guidance
- explanatory booklets for landlords about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
If you are a landlord of a House on Multiple Occupancy (HMO) you may require a licence. Contact your local authority to find out more.
Find further fire safety guidance for HMOs in the LACOURS guide found under Housing: Fire Safety - Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing.
Find further advice on fire safety in the common areas of flats.