Smoke and CO alarm test record
The regulations require a test on day one. This one-page log is what proves it.
Compliance & safety · Updated 5 August 2026
Overview
Landlords must fit a smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker, and must test all alarms on the first day of the tenancy.
Why it matters
Local authorities can issue a remedial notice and a financial penalty. In practice the day-one test is the point most often challenged, and only a signed record answers it.
Legal requirements
- Smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation.
- Carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
- Test all alarms on the first day of the tenancy.
- Repair or replace a faulty alarm as soon as reasonably practicable once reported.
Common mistakes
- Fitting alarms but never recording the day-one test.
- Missing a solid fuel appliance or a gas boiler in a cupboard.
- Relying on a tenant''s verbal confirmation that alarms work.
- Not replacing sealed units at the end of their life.
Practical guidance
- Test with the tenant present at handover and have them sign the log.
- Photograph each alarm in place with the test date noted in the file.
- Ask the tenant to test monthly and report faults immediately.
- Diarise replacement dates for sealed ten-year units.
The template
Replace everything in [SQUARE BRACKETS] with your own details before use.
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM TEST RECORD Property: [FULL PROPERTY ADDRESS] Tenancy start date: [DATE] Tested by: [NAME] Date and time of test: [DATE] [TIME] Tenant present: [YES / NO — NAME] Alarm | Type (smoke / CO) | Location | Power (mains / battery / sealed) | Tested working 1 | [TYPE] | [LOCATION] | [POWER] | [YES / NO] 2 | [TYPE] | [LOCATION] | [POWER] | [YES / NO] 3 | [TYPE] | [LOCATION] | [POWER] | [YES / NO] Fixed combustion appliances at the property: [LIST OR "NONE"] Any faults found and action taken: [DETAIL OR "NONE"] Tenant instructions given: test each alarm monthly, never remove batteries, and report any fault to the landlord immediately on [PHONE] or [EMAIL]. Signed (landlord/agent): ______________ Date: ______ Signed (tenant): ______________________ Date: ______
Frequently asked questions
When must alarms be tested?
On the first day of the tenancy. After that the tenant should test them monthly and report faults.
Where do carbon monoxide alarms go?
In any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance, other than a gas cooker.
Who replaces a faulty alarm?
The landlord, as soon as reasonably practicable after the fault is reported.
This template is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before relying on it.