Private landlords

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Private sector landlords must have:

  • at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties
  • a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance (eg a coal fire, wood burning stove).

You must make sure the alarms are working at the start of every new tenancy.

The rules apply to houses and flats.

The council enforces the law on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

If you do not have the correct number of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, we will serve you a remedial notice. This is an instruction to install the alarms your properties need.

If you do not comply with a remedial notice, we can fine you up to £5,000.

For more information, read the government's smoke and carbon monoxide alarms booklet.