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Are landlords responsible for smoke alarms?
Last verified 23 October 2026
Yes. In England, landlords must fit at least one smoke alarm on each storey with a room used as living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide alarm in any such room with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
For a new tenancy, you must check the alarms are in proper working order on the day the tenancy begins. During the tenancy, if you are told an alarm is faulty, you must repair or replace it once you find it is not working. The rules have applied in this form since 1 October 2022.
Testing an alarm should be simple for tenants, so give them instructions. If an alarm still fails after new batteries, the tenant should report it so you can fix it. Local councils enforce the rules, and a landlord who does not comply with a remedial notice can be charged a penalty, which the landlord can appeal. Keep a dated record of each check, such as a photo or a signed note at check in.
Read next
- What is Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? →
- Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026 (UK) →
- Landlord compliance checker →