The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1 October 2015.
From this date, residential landlords in the private rented sector in England must ensure that:
1. A smoke alarm is installed on each storey of a premises that are wholly or partly used as living accommodation;
2. A carbon monoxide alarm is installed in any room that is used wholly or partly as living accommodation and contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance; and
3. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in proper working order at the start of any new tenancy.
Local authorities will enforce the Regulations. If a breach of the Regulations occurs, a local authority will serve a remedial notice upon the landlord. If the landlord fails to comply with the remedial notice, a penalty charge of up to £5,000 can be levied.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has published useful guidance on the changes for landlords and tenants – click here.