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: 

1. A suitable financial penalty for the breach to act as a deterrent in future
2. Officer time to investigate and serve a remedial notice 
3. The cost of undertaking works in default 
4. Property type, including number of storeys and commercial/residential mix
5. Partial or full breach of the regulations