Smoke Alarms

Since 1st October 2015 landlords, in addition to being required to install smoke alarms on each storey of their properties must also install carbon monoxide detectors in all rooms that have a solid fuel combustion appliance (log burner, open fire, etc). It is also a requirement that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be tested and working on the actual day a tenancy commences. Landlords should ensure that they have records to show that these checks have been undertaken at the prescribed time.

If landlords are providing battery operated alarms they should make clear to tenant's that throughout the tenancy it is the tenants responsibility to check the alarm operates correctly and replace batteries as and when necessary.

The Building Regulations (1991) state that all properties built after June 1992 must be fitted with mains operated interlinked smoke detectors/alarms with at least one detector located on each floor.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) also have specific obligations and irrespective of age are required to supply mains operated interlinked smoke alarm systems as above.