Safety certificates
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules for landlords
A cheap duty with a sharp penalty. The rules were tightened in 2022 and now cover carbon monoxide far more widely.
What is required
- At least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation.
- A carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
- Alarms must be repaired or replaced once the landlord is told they are faulty.
The day-one test
Alarms must be tested and confirmed working on the first day of a new tenancy. Record it.
Penalty
Local authorities can impose a fine of up to £5,000 for non-compliance.
Last reviewed September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice - always check your local authority's requirements.
Never miss a deadline
LetCompliance tracks every certificate and duty on this page across your whole portfolio, and generates the served-ready documents when you need them.
Check your compliance free