Smoke & CO Alarm Checklist
A compliance checklist for smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in England — covering installation obligations, testing at the start of each tenancy, and record-keeping to demonstrate compliance.
Updated: 1 June 2026
Failure to comply with the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations can result in a remedial notice from the local authority and a civil penalty of up to £5,000.
Smoke & CO Alarm Checklist
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 apply to all private rented properties in England from 1 October 2022.
Smoke Alarm Requirements:
- At least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation
- Alarms must be in working order at the start of each tenancy
- Interlinked alarms recommended in HMOs
- Mains-wired alarms required in new builds
CO Alarm Requirements:
- CO alarm required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (gas boiler, open fire, wood burner)
- CO alarm required in any room where a tenant sleeps if there is a combustion appliance nearby
- Must be in working order at the start of each tenancy
Testing at Start of Tenancy:
- Test all smoke alarms — record date and result
- Test all CO alarms — record date and result
- Provide tenant with instructions for testing
- Advise tenant to test monthly and report faults immediately
Record-Keeping:
- Record alarm locations, type (battery/mains) and installation date
- Record test results at start of each tenancy
- Record any replacements or repairs
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