What to Do If Your Fire Alarms Don’t Work in England

As a renter in England, your safety is a priority—and working fire alarms are a legal requirement in most homes. Understanding what to do if your fire alarms don’t work helps keep you, your family, and your property secure. This guide breaks down your rights, what your landlord must do, and how to get help if fire safety standards aren’t met.

Why Are Working Fire Alarms Required?

Building regulations and safety laws in England require landlords to install and maintain working smoke alarms in rented homes. These rules help prevent injuries and deaths caused by house fires. In most cases:

• At least one smoke alarm must be fitted on each floor with living space
• A carbon monoxide alarm is required in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
• Alarms must be tested and proven working at the start of each new tenancy

This is set out in the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 and the recent 2022 update. All landlords must follow these laws regardless of the type of property, though some exceptions exist for certain long leases or shared ownerships.^[1]

What Are My Rights If Fire Alarms Don’t Work?

If the fire alarms in your home are faulty or missing, your landlord is legally responsible for repairing or replacing them. This is not just best practice, it’s the law. You have the right to a safe living environment.

Working smoke alarms can save lives. If you notice alarms aren’t working, act quickly and communicate with your landlord in writing.

Immediate Steps to Take

• Test the alarms yourself and note which are not responding
• Contact your landlord or letting agent in writing (text, email, or letter)
• Request urgent repairs and set out which alarms are affected

Most landlords will act quickly, as failing to comply may lead to a fine of up to £5,000.

What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Fix Fire Alarms?

If your landlord does not resolve the problem within a reasonable period, you can escalate:

• Contact your local council’s housing department and report the issue
• The council can inspect your home and order the landlord to make repairs
• If urgent, the council can arrange repairs and bill your landlord

You can also use the council's official complaint path. For social housing tenants, there's a formal complaint process detailed on the government's social housing complaints page.

Reporting to the Council (Private Tenants)

If you rent from a private landlord and have issues with unresolved fire alarm repairs, use your local council’s “Report a problem with a private rented property” process. This usually involves an online or paper form. Describe the issue in detail and attach evidence, such as photos or copies of correspondence.

Relevant Official Forms

• Report a Housing Disrepair (varies by council): Usually found on your council’s website; used when your landlord fails to carry out required repairs.
  When to use: If your landlord hasn’t fixed the faulty fire alarms after written notification. For example, search for "report housing issue to council" followed by your local area.
• Complaint to Housing Ombudsman: For unresolved issues in social housing. Use the official online form via the Housing Ombudsman Service - Make a Complaint.
  When to use: If your social landlord hasn’t resolved your safety concern after a formal complaint.

You can find guidance on repairs and your rights in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11.^[2]

What If You Feel Unsafe?

Your council has powers to deal with serious hazards through the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) under the Housing Act 2004.^[3] If the lack of working smoke alarms presents a serious risk, the council can intervene directly.

What Is the Official Tribunal for Fire Safety Disputes?

If a dispute over repairs or fire safety cannot be resolved through complaints or council action, the appropriate tribunal is the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property. Renters in England can appeal certain decisions or seek remedies through this body, especially where the landlord's obligations are in dispute.

FAQ: Fire Alarm Problems in Rented Properties

1. What should I do if my landlord ignores requests to fix fire alarms?
   You should contact your local council’s housing department. They have powers to enforce repairs and can issue fines or arrange works if necessary.
2. Are fire alarms required in every rented home in England?
   Yes, all rented homes must have smoke alarms on every floor where people live. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, except gas cookers.
3. How quickly must my landlord fix a faulty fire alarm?
   Repairs should be done as soon as possible, especially where there is a safety risk. Local authorities expect landlords to act promptly and can intervene if there are unnecessary delays.
4. Can I install my own smoke alarm if my landlord won't?
   You can install battery-operated alarms for personal safety, but this does not replace your landlord’s legal responsibility. Always report faulty alarms officially.
5. What happens if the council finds my home unsafe?
   The council can order your landlord to make immediate repairs, issue fines, or, in urgent cases, undertake repairs themselves and recover costs from the landlord.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Your landlord must provide and maintain working fire and carbon monoxide alarms.
• If alarms are not working, report it in writing to your landlord, then escalate to your local council if not fixed promptly.
• The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can hear unresolved safety and housing disputes.

Quick action helps keep you safe and compels your landlord to follow the law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Landlord’s safety responsibilities (gov.uk)
• Report a repair or safety issue to your local council
• Housing Ombudsman Service for social tenants
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property
• Shelter’s advice on faulty or missing smoke alarms

---

1. See Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 (as amended 2022).
2. Refer to Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 for repair duties.
3. See Housing Act 2004, Part 1 and HHSRS.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation