Smoke and CO alarm rules for landlords
4 min read · Updated 5 Sep 2026 · Reviewed by accredited engineer
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 require landlords to provide a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation, plus a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (including gas boilers and fires, excluding gas cookers).
Testing and replacement duty
Alarms must be tested and proven in working order on the first day of each new tenancy, and faulty units must be repaired or replaced as soon as notified.
Check date codes: most optical and ionisation alarms expire after 10 years
Interlink alarms where required by HMO regulations or building codes
Document test records on check-in inventories