Understanding smoke and carbon monoxide alarms helps tenants and renters stay safe and know their rights in England. This guide explains what landlords must provide, how to report missing or faulty alarms, and practical steps renters can take when safety checks are ignored. It covers landlord duties, timings for installation and repairs, and how to use official routes such as local council environmental health teams or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if problems continue. The language is practical and aimed at renters who need clear actions, examples of forms and links to official guidance, and short checklists for documenting faults. You do not need a legal background to follow these steps and protect your home.
What landlords must provide
In England landlords are legally required to make sure properties have working smoke alarms on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (for example a gas boiler or gas fire). These duties are set out in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.[1] Landlords must supply, install and ensure alarms are in working order at the start of a new tenancy and respond to reports of faults.
Landlord responsibilities and timing
Landlords should both install and maintain alarms and keep records so tenants can confirm compliance. Tenants should be told where alarms are located and made aware of basic testing arrangements.
- Ensure safety: install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property.
- Provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance such as a gas boiler or coal fire.
- Test alarms at the start of each tenancy and respond to reports of faults within a reasonable time.
- Repair or replace faulty alarms promptly to keep the property safe.
- Keep records of installation, tests and repairs and provide written confirmation on request.
What tenants should do if alarms are missing or not working
If an alarm is missing or not working, follow a clear, written process and keep a record of every step you take. This helps if you later need to involve a council or tribunal.
- Tell your landlord in writing and request a repair or replacement, giving a clear timescale for action.
- Keep evidence: take dated photos, save messages and note times you called or met.
- If there is an immediate danger from smoke or suspected carbon monoxide, leave the property and call 999.
Official forms and reporting
There is no single national "tenant complaint" form for alarms, but the law and official guidance set out clear routes you can use, and the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) deals with residential tenancy disputes in this area.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: this statutory instrument sets the requirements for installation and maintenance; you can point a landlord to the Regulations when asking for compliance and show them the exact legal duty.[1]
- GOV.UK guidance for landlords: the official landlord guidance explains practical steps and recommendations for alarms and testing; tenants can link the guidance to requests for repair or replacement.[2]
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) application information: if the issue is not resolved, tenants may apply to the Tribunal for remedies; the Tribunal handles disputes about property and tenancy rights in England.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must supply working smoke alarms on each storey and CO alarms where there are fixed combustion appliances.
- Tenants should report faults in writing and keep dated evidence of all communications and photos.
- If a landlord does not act, report to your local council environmental health and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
FAQ
- Do landlords have to fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in England?
- Yes. Landlords must install smoke alarms on each storey and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fixed combustion appliances, under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.[1]
- What should I do first if an alarm is missing or not working?
- Tell your landlord in writing, keep evidence such as photos and messages, and allow reasonable access for repairs; if you are at immediate risk, call 999.
- When can I involve the council or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)?
- If your landlord does not act within a reasonable time you can report the problem to your local council environmental health, and if unresolved apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to seek remedies.[3]
How-To
- Contact your landlord in writing explaining the problem and request a repair within 14 days.
- Keep clear evidence: photos, dated messages and a short log of calls and visits.
- If the landlord does not respond, submit a report to your local council environmental health with your evidence.
- If the council cannot resolve it, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and attach your records and correspondence.
- In an immediate emergency involving smoke or suspected carbon monoxide, leave the property and call 999.
Help and Support / Resources
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
- GOV.UK: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm guidance for landlords
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) information
