Smoke and CO Alarm Regulations for Landlords (2026)
Since October 2022 every rented home in England needs a smoke alarm on each storey and a CO alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance. Here's what the rules really require — and how to prove compliance.
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Introduction
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amended) Regulations 2022 tightened the original 2015 rules and now apply to all rented homes in England, including social housing. Norwich City Council and most district councils enforce robustly, and a single missing CO alarm can be a £5,000 fine. This guide sets out exactly what is required in 2026.
What must be installed
A smoke alarm on every storey of the property used wholly or partly as living accommodation — including converted lofts and basements. A carbon monoxide alarm in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance such as a gas boiler, wood-burning stove or oil burner. Gas cookers are excluded but it is still good practice to fit one nearby.
Where to place them
Smoke alarms belong on the ceiling in escape-route areas (landings and hallways). CO alarms should be 1–3 metres horizontally from the appliance and at head height. Avoid kitchens, bathrooms and unheated lofts where false alarms or cold can disable detection.
Mains-wired vs battery
The regulations don't mandate mains-wired alarms, but BS 5839-6 Grade D (mains with battery back-up) is the gold standard for new installations and interlinked systems are now required in Scotland — many English insurers expect them too. Sealed 10-year lithium battery alarms are an acceptable budget option provided you can prove compliance at tenancy start.
Testing duty
You must check every alarm is in working order on the first day of each new tenancy. Press the test button, log the time and date, and keep a signed record — ideally on your check-in inventory or via a compliance app. A single dated photo of each alarm with the tenant present is excellent evidence.
Ongoing repair duty
If a tenant reports a fault you must repair or replace within a reasonable time. There is no fixed deadline in the regulations but case law and council guidance treats anything beyond seven days as unreasonable unless parts are on order.
Enforcement and penalties
If the local authority has reasonable grounds to believe you're in breach they serve a remedial notice giving 28 days. If you fail to act they can do the work and impose a penalty of up to £5,000. The notice is appealable but rarely succeeds where the alarms were genuinely missing.
HMO-specific rules
Licensed HMOs must additionally comply with BS 5839-6 Grade A or D depending on size — typically a mains-wired interlinked system with heat detectors in kitchens. Council licensing teams will inspect and refuse licence renewal for non-compliance.
Final word
If you'd like Smart Sleep Property to handle this — or any other landlord compliance work — for you, our concierge service covers everything from referencing and right-to-rent to full tenancy management across Norwich and Norfolk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the key rule for smoke and co alarm regulations landlords?+
Landlords must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey of a rented home and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). All alarms must be tested on the first day of each new tenancy and repaired or replaced when reported faulty. Non-complian
Does this apply across England?+
Yes — the rules in this guide apply to England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate but broadly similar regimes.
Where can I get help?+
Smart Sleep Property offers compliance support, document templates and full management for Norwich and Norfolk landlords.
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