Smoke and carbon monoxide regulations amended

The Government has today (29 July 2022) released guidance for the new "Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022".

In summary, landlords must ensure a smoke alarm is positioned on each floor that is used as living accommodation, and that a carbon monoxide alarm is positioned in each room which has a fixed combustible appliance (excluding gas cookers).

Smoke Alarms

The regulations do not stipulate the type of smoke alarm (such as mains powered (‘hard-wired’) or battery powered) that should be installed.

We recommend that landlords choose the type of smoke alarm based on the needs of their building and their tenants, and that those alarms are compliant with British Standards BS 5839-6. Where battery powered alarms are selected, alarms with ‘sealed for life’ batteries rather than alarms with replaceable batteries are the better option.

The regulations also do not stipulate where the alarms should be placed, but we recommend that at least one smoke alarm should be installed on every storey which is used as living accommodation. Landlords should follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions when installing the alarms. However, in general, smoke alarms should be fixed to the ceiling in a circulation space, i.e. a hall or a landing.

Your local fire and rescue authority may be able to provide further advice on installation or you can download fire safety information from www.gov.uk/firekills

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Again, the regulations do not stipulate the type of alarm (such as mains powered (‘hard wired’) or battery powered) that should be installed.

We suggest that landlords should make an informed decision and choose the type of carbon monoxide alarms based on the needs of their building and their tenants, and that those alarms are compliant with British Standards BS 50291. Where battery powered alarms are selected, alarms with ‘sealed for life’ batteries rather than alarms with replaceable batteries are the better option.

The regulations also do not stipulate where carbon moinoxide alarms should be placed. We recommend that a carbon monoxide alarm should be installed in every room which is used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).

Landlords should be sure to follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions when installing an alarm. However, in general, carbon monoxide alarms should be positioned at head height, either on a wall or shelf, approximately 1-3 metres away from a potential source of carbon monoxide.

Your local fire and rescue authority may be able to provide further advice on installation or you can download fire safety information from www.gov.uk/firekills.

What should tenants do if they find their alarm isn’t working?

If tenants find that their alarms are not in working order during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange for the replacement of the batteries. If the alarm still does not work after replacing the batteries, or if tenants are unable to replace the batteries themselves, they should report this to their landlord immediately.

Equipping an alarm

What is meant by ‘equipping’ an alarm? Is it sufficient for landlords to provide an alarm, or do they need to install them?

The regulations require landlords to ensure alarms are equipped, and to check that each prescribed alarm is in proper working order on the day the tenancy begins if it is a new tenancy. Landlords should make sure alarms are installed in an effective way to protect their tenants from the dangers of smoke and carbon monoxide. It is best practice to have alarms fitted in one place, so they cannot be tampered with or removed by the tenant.

Your local fire and rescue authority may be able to provide further advice on installation or you can download fire safety information from www.gov.uk/firekills.

The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

For more information, see: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants

If you have any questions about the new smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations or would like us to take the burden of managing your rental property away with our property management service, please contact us on 0161 511 5339 or complete our contact form.