As a landlord, ensuring the safety of your tenants is a top priority. One critical aspect of tenant safety is having properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed in your rental properties. Not only is this a legal requirement in many areas, but it can also save lives in the event of a fire or gas leak.

In England, the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 and the recent updates in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 stipulate that landlords must:

Install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their rental property which is used as living accommodation
Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where a fixed combustion appliance is used (excluding gas cookers)
Make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy
Repair or replace any faulty alarms reported by tenants within 28 days

To comply with these regulations and keep your tenants safe, follow these best practices:

Choose high-quality alarms

Look for smoke and CO alarms that are certified by a recognised testing laboratory. Opt for models with long battery life or hardwired installations.

Install alarms in optimal locations

Place smoke alarms on every level, inside each bedroom. Install CO alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances and within 10 feet of each bedroom door.

Test and maintain regularly

Test smoke and CO alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every 8-10 years, even if they appear to be working.

Keep records

Document alarm installations, testing, and maintenance. Provide copies of this information to tenants.

Educate tenants

Provide tenants with information on alarm testing and emergency procedures in case of fire or CO detection.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure compliance with legal requirements and provide a safer living environment for your tenants. Remember, properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.