The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
The smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations came into force on the 1 October 2015. They state that landlords must install and check smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms.
Landlords must provide:
- A smoke alarm on each floor of the premises.
- A carbon monoxide alarm in any room of the premises which is:
- used wholly or partly as living accommodation
- and contains a solid fuel burning combustion appliance.
The regulations exclude Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This is because these properties are already covered by other legislation. Specific guidance already exists to help HMO landlords. This aims to help them to find the appropriate standard of fire detection and alarm.
The Government have issued an explanatory booklet for landlords:
For more details on the legislation go to www.legislation.gov.uk
Enforcement
The Private Sector Housing team will enforce the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.
Further information
Fire Safety in Residential Buildings
A fire safety guidance booklet has been created. It is produced by the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS). The booklet helps to manage the relationship between:
- the Housing Act 2004 and
- the Fire Safety Order
This guidance offers advice and assistance to:
- enforcers
- landlords
- managing agents
- tenants
- others
It has advice on ways to make residential buildings safe from fire, regardless of which piece of legislation is relevant. When it comes to fire safety, everyone involved has an interest.
This booklet gives guidance on the following types of premises:
- Single household occupancy buildings
- Shared houses
- Bedsit-type HMOs (lets)
- Buildings converted into self-contained flats
- Flats in multiple occupation
- Back-to-back houses
Download the LACORS Housing Fire Safety Guide
Fire Safety in Specialised Housing
The National Fire Chief's Council has provided recommendations. These will help to protect an estimated three quarters of a million residents of specialised housing from fire.
Its recommendations relate to various forms of:
- sheltered housing
- extra care housing
- supported housing for people with common characteristics, such as:
- learning disabilities
- mental health problems
A common factor in the premises to which this guide applies is the ability to facilitate person-centred planning.
Download the Fire Safety Specialised Housing Guide
For more information please see the links below:
