Smoke alarms
Required on every storey of a rented home.
2 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Landlords must have at least one smoke alarm on each storey of the property used as living accommodation, must ensure alarms are working on the first day of the tenancy, and must repair or replace faulty alarms as soon as reasonably practicable after being told.
Legal requirements
- Required by the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 as amended.
- Councils can serve a remedial notice and impose a penalty of up to £5,000.
Practical guidance
- Test alarms in front of the tenant at check-in and note it on the inventory.
This wiki entry 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 acting.