Tenants in England should understand how smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm testing and record-keeping affect their safety and rights. This guide explains who must test alarms, what information to include in a log, and how tenants can report faults or missing devices to a landlord or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). It uses plain language for renters worried about repairs, entry for testing, or evidence for disputes. You will learn practical steps to keep a clear alarm log, examples of what constitutes routine tests, and when to ask for formal repairs or a safety inspection. If you are a renter concerned about compliance, these rules help you protect your home and document problems efficiently.
Landlord and tenant responsibilities
In England, landlords have legal duties to provide certain alarms and to keep the property safe; tenants also have responsibilities for basic testing and allowing reasonable access. Check the Regulations for precise duties and get help from the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if issues are not resolved.[1][2]
- Provide smoke alarms on each storey for safety.
- Repair or replace faulty alarms promptly when reported.
- Keep a written record or log of each test or battery change.
- Allow reasonable access for inspection or testing when properly notified.
How to keep an alarm log
A clear log helps prove you checked alarms and shows when repairs were requested. Keep both paper and digital copies and note who carried out each test.
- Record the date and time of each test in the log.
- Note the result of the test (alarm OK, chirping, no sound) and any action taken.
- Log battery replacements, including the battery type and who fitted it.
- Record any communications with your landlord about faults and the dates you sent them.
What to do if alarms are missing or not working
If an alarm is missing or not working, tell your landlord in writing and keep a copy of your message and any replies. If the landlord does not act, you can escalate by asking your local council to inspect or by applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a remedy.[3]
- Send a written report or formal notice to the landlord explaining the fault and asking for repair.
- Give reasonable time for a landlord to respond, for example ask for repairs within a set number of days.
- If unresolved, collect your log and evidence and apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or use the relevant court form for possession disputes.
Relevant official forms
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — use the tribunal application pages to start a case about housing standards or other tenancy disputes; for example, a tenant who has five months of test logs and unanswered notices can apply to ask for remedial action or orders.
- Form N5 (claim for possession) — use the N5 possession claim if a landlord is seeking possession through the courts or when a tenant needs to respond to a possession claim; for example, check the form if an eviction is linked to a dispute over access for testing.
FAQ
- Do landlords have to fit smoke and CO alarms?
- Yes. In England, landlords must provide smoke alarms on each storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, and they must ensure alarms are working at the start of a tenancy.[1]
- How often should I test alarms?
- Test alarms regularly, typically weekly or monthly depending on manufacturer advice, and record each test in your log so you can show you checked devices and reported issues.
- What evidence helps if there is a dispute?
- A dated test log, photos of missing or faulty alarms, copies of messages to your landlord, and any inspection reports are useful evidence in a complaint or tribunal application.
How-To
- Check every alarm and record the date, result and any action in your log.
- Send a clear written report to your landlord with dates and photos, keep a copy, and request repairs.
- If your landlord does not act, gather your evidence and apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or seek local authority enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Keep a clear, dated alarm log to record tests and battery changes.
- Tell your landlord in writing about faults and keep copies of all messages.
- If repairs are not made, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with your evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- Smoke and CO alarm safety regulations (2015) - legislation
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - apply or get guidance
- Report a renting problem - contact local authority
