Alarms
At the start of your tenancy
All private landlords must make sure that working smoke alarms are fitted on each floor of their rented properties. If you have a coal or wood fire in your rented home, your landlord must also fit a carbon monoxide detector. If you live in a block of flats or in a House in Multiple Occupation a higher level of smoke or heat detection is often required. If in doubt check.
Your landlord must ensure that the alarms provided are in working order at the start of any new tenancy.
Once you have moved in
Regularly test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors – at least once a month. If an alarm stops working, first check if it needs new batteries and if not contact the landlord to arrange a replacement alarm to be fitted.
If your landlord has not fitted alarms, you could ask your landlord to install them. Where mains powered detectors and alarms are not required, a 10-year lithium battery powered smoke alarm should be used. You should ask in writing and keep a copy – it’s best to use either an email or a letter. Ask politely. Most landlords will want to help.
If your landlord will not fit alarms, contact the council.