Almost everyone knows that all properties – rented or not – should have a smoke detector installed. Smoke detectors protect those at home from the dangers of fire – but what about a carbon monoxide alarm? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In short:<\/strong> across the UK, landlords must fit a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fuel-burning appliance, make sure it works at the start of each tenancy, and repair or replace it once a fault is reported. The exact rules and dates differ slightly by nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All private landlords must ensure that their rental properties have fitted, working and tested smoke detector on all floors and <\/em>a carbon monoxide detector where solid fuels are used (although we recommend a CO detector regardless of what fuel type). <\/p>\n\n\n\n This requirement is highlighted in the government How to Let guide<\/a>. All smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms must be tested on the first day a tenant moves in. You should check and make sure that you are complying with these requirements or you could face up to a \u00a35,000 fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to this, landlords must also provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate<\/a> and EPC<\/a>. Without these documents in place, a landlord will be in violation of the law. Since 1 May 2026, Section 21 “no-fault” evictions have been abolished in England, but keeping a working, correctly located alarm fitted is a continuing legal duty, and a clean compliance record supports any possession claim you bring under Section 8. Read about all your required legal landlord documents here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to keep on top of all your legal responsibilities and landlord documents? Download useful our Landlord Checklist below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2022, the rules regarding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms<\/a> are changing. The new rules – beginning 1 October 2022 – will require social<\/em> landlords to have a smoke alarm on every floor, not just private landlords, as well as a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (such as a gas boiler or fire).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tenants will still be responsible for testing alarms during the tenancy, but landlords will now be required to fix or replace any faulty alarms as soon as they are informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Carbon monoxide poisoning<\/a> can be lethal. As an odourless and colourless gas, its presence will go undetected without a carbon monoxide alarm – so why do only 1 in 10 people<\/a> know that carbon monoxide alarms exist? <\/p>\n\n\n\n 43% of the UK wouldn’t know what to do if there was a carbon monoxide leak in their home – and only 5% can identify the symptoms of poisoning<\/a> – can you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: <\/p>\n\n\n\nDo I need a carbon monoxide alarm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The law around carbon monoxide alarms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
New rules for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in 2022<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Carbon monoxide – the silent killer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where can I get a carbon monoxide alarm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n