Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations 2015
From 1 October 2015 the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 require private rented sector landlords to:
- Have at least one smoke alarm installed on every floor of their rental property which is used as living accommodation
- Have a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used
- Ensure all alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy
Are there any exemptions?
- Licensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are exempt as they have their own requirements for detectors. The regulations do apply to HMOs that don't require a licence
- Properties owned by registered social landlords
- Live-in landlords - where the occupier shares the accommodation with the landlord or landlord’s family
Where we're satisfied that a landlord on whom a remedial notice has been served is in breach of their duty under the regulations, we may require the landlord to pay a penalty of up to £5,000.
When determining the amount for a penalty charge notice - we'll consider:
- A suitable financial penalty for the breach to act as a deterrent in future
- Officer time to investigate and serve a remedial notice
- The cost of undertaking works in default
- Property type, including number of storeys and commercial/residential mix
- Partial or full breach of the regulations