As a landlord, it is your responsibility to provide a safe and healthy living environment for your tenants. This includes ensuring your property is fitted with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These devices are essential in protecting your tenants from the dangers of smoke and carbon monoxide, which can cause serious harm and even death.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as gas, oil, and coal. It can be lethal in high concentrations, which is why it is crucial that carbon monoxide alarms are installed in rental properties.

In this guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, including their functionality, placement, installation, maintenance, testing, legal obligations, and best practices.

Free Landlord Resources

Landlord’s Legal Obligations

As a landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure that your rental property is fitted with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This includes installing alarms on every level of the property and testing and maintaining them on a regular basis, as well as testing the alarms on the start date of the tenancy. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences such as fines and imprisonment.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke particles in the air and alert occupants to a potential fire. There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionisation and photoelectric. Ionisation alarms are better at detecting fast-burning fires, while photoelectric alarms are better at detecting slow-burning fires. It is recommended that landlords install both types of alarms or a combination alarm that incorporates both technologies.

There are many places you can get smoke alarms, both online and in physical stores. Here are some of the best options:

• Amazon – Amazon has a wide variety of smoke alarms available, from basic models to more advanced ones with smart features. They also offer fast and reliable shipping. Here’s a link to their smoke alarm selection: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=smoke+alarm&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
• Screwfix – Screwfix offers a range of smoke alarms at competitive prices. They have both battery-powered and mains-powered options available. Here’s a link to their smoke alarm selection: https://www.screwfix.com/c/security-ironmongery/smoke-alarms/cat840148 
• B&Q – B&Q offers a range of options from basic models to interconnected alarms that can be linked together for added protection. Here’s a link to their smoke alarm selection: https://www.diy.com/departments/electrical-security/home-security/smoke-alarms/DIY1151538.cat 
• Argos – Argos has a range of smoke alarms at affordable prices. They have both battery-powered and mains-powered options available, as well as models with additional features like carbon monoxide detection. Here’s a link to their smoke alarm selection: https://www.argos.co.uk/search/smoke-alarms/ 
• John Lewis & Partners – John Lewis offers a variety of smoke alarms from trusted brands. They have both battery-powered and mains-powered options available, as well as models with advanced features like voice alerts and smartphone connectivity. Here’s a link to their smoke alarm selection: https://www.johnlewis.com/browse/home-garden/diy-home-security/smoke-alarms/_/N-cxuZ1z0fgil 

It’s important to note that these are just a few of the many options available, and it’s always a good idea to do some research and compare prices and features before making a purchase.

When it comes to placement, smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the property, including the basement and attic, as well as in every bedroom and hallway. They should be installed on the ceiling or high up on the wall, away from any corners or vents. It is also important to regularly test and maintain smoke alarms, including replacing batteries at least once a year.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the air and alert occupants to a potential danger. There are two main types of carbon monoxide alarms: biomimetic and electrochemical. Biomimetic alarms are better at detecting low-level carbon monoxide, while electrochemical alarms are better at detecting high levels of carbon monoxide.

Below is a list of retailers that offer a range of carbon monoxide alarms:

• Amazon offers a wide range of biomimetic and electrochemical carbon monoxide alarms, from different brands and at varying price points. You can find a link to their alarms section below: fhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=carbon+monoxide+alarm&ref=nb_sb_noss 
• Screwfix provides an extensive selection of carbon monoxide alarms, which you can find here: https://www.screwfix.com/c/heating-plumbing/carbon-monoxide-alarms/cat840728 
• Fire Protection Online – a specialist supplier of fire safety equipment – offers various carbon monoxide alarms, including those that use biomimetic and electrochemical sensors. https://www.fireprotectiononline.co.uk/fire-and-smoke-alarms/smoke-alarms/carbon-monoxide-detectors/  
• Toolstation – provides a range of carbon monoxide alarms at competitive prices. https://www.toolstation.com/search?q=carbon+monoxide+alarm 
• Argos offers a selection of carbon monoxide alarms: https://www.argos.co.uk/search/carbon-monoxide-alarm/ 
• B&Q – provides various types of carbon monoxide alarms in-store and online: https://www.diy.com/departments/heating-plumbing-cooling/co-detectors/DIY580031.cat 
• Safe Fire Direct – a specialist supplier of fire safety equipment, offers a wide range of carbon monoxide alarms: https://www.safefiredirect.co.uk/co-alarms 
• Kidde Safety – a leading manufacturer of fire safety equipment, offers various carbon monoxide alarms with biomimetic and electrochemical sensors. https://www.kiddesafety.co.uk/carbon-monoxide-alarms 
• Smoke Alarms 4u provides a selection of carbon monoxide alarms at competitive prices. https://www.smokealarms4u.co.uk/carbon-monoxide-alarms 
• Firemart – a supplier of fire safety equipment, offers a range of carbon monoxide alarms: https://www.firemart.co.uk/carbon-monoxide-alarms/ 

Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in every room that contains a fuel-burning appliance or heating system, as well as in every bedroom and hallway. They should be installed at a height of around 1.5 metres from the ground and at least one metre away from fuel-burning appliances. Like smoke alarms, they should be regularly tested and maintained.

Best Practice for Landlords

To ensure you go above and beyond the legal requirements, there are several best practices you can follow. These include regularly testing and maintaining your alarms, replacing them when necessary, and educating your tenants on how to properly test the alarms and what to do in case of an emergency.

Conclusion 

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential in protecting the safety and health of your tenants. By following the advice outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your rental property is compliant with the law and that your tenants are kept safe from the dangers of smoke and carbon monoxide. Remember to prioritise the safety of your tenants and remain vigilant in maintaining and testing your alarms.

Free Landlord Resources