The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into effect in October 2015. Both landlords and tenants are responsible for complying with the regulations and ensuring that alarms remain in good working order throughout a tenancy.
Remember – working alarms save lives; you are at least four times more likely to die in a house fire if there is no working smoke alarm.
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
Private sector landlords are required to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g. a coal fire, wood burning stove). The landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant?
After the landlord’s test on the first day of the tenancy, tenants should take responsibility for their own safety and test all alarms regularly to make sure they are in working order. Testing monthly is generally considered an appropriate frequency for smoke alarms. If you discover that alarm(s) are not in working order during your tenancy, arrange to replace the batteries or the alarm itself with your landlord or managing agent.
Where can I find more information?
Full details of these regulations are available on the GOV.UK website.
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