Renting in England means knowing your rights if smoke or carbon monoxide alarms are missing or faulty. This guide explains what landlords must provide, what tenants should do, and the steps to take if alarms are not installed, maintained or replaced. It uses plain language and practical examples so you can report faults, request repairs, or escalate problems to your local council or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) when necessary. Keep written records, tests and photos: they strengthen your case. If you rent a home in England, this article helps you identify who is responsible, which official forms or certificates to ask for, and how to proceed calmly and legally.
What landlords must provide
Landlords must ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and kept in working order under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015[1]. They must also arrange gas safety checks where relevant and provide a Gas Safety Record (CP12) to tenants after an annual check Gas safety: Landlord responsibilities[2].
- Provide working smoke alarms for safety on every storey.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm for safety in any room with a solid-fuel appliance.
- Arrange annual gas safety checks and supply the Gas Safety Record (CP12) to tenants.
- Repair and maintain alarms promptly when notified by a tenant.
- Provide copies of safety records and clear instructions for testing alarms.
What tenants should do
Tenants should test alarms, report faults right away, and avoid tampering with devices. Regular checks and good records help resolve problems faster and protect your safety.
- Test alarms regularly and note the time and result of each test.
- Contact your landlord or managing agent in writing and by phone to report any fault or missing alarm.
- Keep dated evidence: emails, photos, videos and test logs.
- Do not disable or remove alarms; tampering can create safety risks and legal problems.
If alarms are missing or not working
If an alarm is missing or faulty, start by telling your landlord in writing and ask for a prompt repair or replacement. If you get no response, contact your local council's environmental health team to report a hazard. As a last resort you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a decision on disrepair or enforcement First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)[3].
- Send a clear written notice describing the problem and what you want fixed.
- Give a reasonable deadline to fix the issue, for example 7–14 days depending on risk.
- If there is no reasonable response, contact your local council's environmental health department to report the hazard.
- If the matter remains unresolved, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a formal decision.
FAQ
- Do landlords have to install smoke alarms in England?
- Yes. Landlords must provide working smoke alarms on each storey and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid-fuel appliances under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.
- Who is responsible for battery changes and testing?
- Tenants are usually asked to test alarms and may be asked to replace batteries during a tenancy, but landlords remain responsible for ensuring alarms are installed and in working order at the start of a tenancy and for repairs they are notified of.
- Can I withhold rent if alarms aren’t working?
- No. Withholding rent is risky and generally not advised. Follow the steps above: notify the landlord, contact your local council, and consider the First-tier Tribunal for enforcement.
How-To
- Check the alarm, note the make and model, and photograph the issue.
- Tell your landlord in writing, attach photos, and request a repair or replacement within a clear timeframe.
- Give a reasonable deadline such as 7–14 days depending on the level of risk.
- If there is no satisfactory response, contact your local council's environmental health department to report the hazard.
- If problems persist, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a formal decision.
Help and Support / Resources
- Take action if your landlord won't fix things
- Gas safety: Landlord responsibilities
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
