Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms A Legal Requirement In Rental Properties?

Carbon monoxide is invisible, odourless, and deadly. A single undetected leak from a gas boiler, open fire, or flue fault can pose a serious risk to tenants. Installing and maintaining carbon monoxide alarms in rental properties is therefore essential, and in most cases, a legal obligation for landlords across the UK. Early warning saves lives, helps landlords meet safety duties, and reduces exposure to enforcement action. 

This guide explains the current legal requirements for CO alarms in rented accommodation, where alarms must be fitted, how often they should be tested, and the differences between the rules in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It also covers suitable alarm types, record-keeping for compliance, and practical safety advice for both landlords and tenants. 

For professional installation, safety checks, or compliance support across London, call us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk.  

 

 

Carbon Monoxide Risks In Rental Accommodation

Carbon monoxide (CO) forms when carbon-based fuels burn without enough oxygen. Gas boilers, oil heaters, solid fuel stoves, open fires, and some portable heaters can all produce CO if they are faulty, poorly maintained, or poorly ventilated. Because the gas cannot be seen or smelled, occupants often receive no warning until symptoms develop. 

Early signs of exposure include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Higher concentrations can cause collapse and death. Multiple tenants becoming unwell in the same room, symptoms that improve outdoors, or pets acting lethargic are common warning flags. A correctly placed CO alarm alerts occupants before levels become dangerous. 

Landlords have a duty of care to provide safe rental accommodation. Gas Safe-registered engineers are required to service gas appliances at the legally mandated intervals, and CO alarms provide an additional layer of life-saving protection. 

Also Read: Carbon Monoxide Detectors   

 

Legal Requirements For CO Alarms In Rental Properties (UK Overview)

Regulations differ slightly by nation. Use the summary below to understand the baseline duties, then review local guidance and manufacturer instructions before installation. Where wording refers to a "fixed combustion appliance", this includes items such as gas boilers, oil boilers, log burners, and open fires. Gas cookers are exempt from certain legislation; see notes under England.

1. England – Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022

• A carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in every room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
• Applies to both private and social rented sectors.
• Landlords must ensure alarms are working on the first day of each new tenancy.
• Landlords must repair or replace faulty alarms once informed.
• Local authorities can issue remedial notices and civil penalties up to £5,000 for non-compliance.

2. Wales – Renting Homes (Fitness For Human Habitation) Regulations 2022

• A working CO alarm is required in any room with a gas, oil, or solid fuel burning appliance installed by the landlord.
• Smoke alarms must be mains powered and interlinked; CO alarms need not be interlinked unless guidance recommends it.
• Applies to all occupation contracts (the Welsh term for tenancies).
• Failure to provide required alarms can render a dwelling unfit for human habitation until corrected.

3. Scotland – Repairing Standard And Tolerable Standard

• All homes with a carbon-fuelled appliance (gas, oil, solid fuel) or flue must have a CO alarm.
• Applies to private rented properties under the Repairing Standard and all homes under the Tolerable Standard update.
• Alarms should comply with BS EN 50291.
• Positioning: follow Scottish Government guidance (typically at breathing height if wall mounted, see manufacturer instructions).
• Non-compliance can be reported to the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber).

4. Northern Ireland – Smoke, Heat And Carbon Monoxide Alarms For Private Tenancies Regulations 2024

• In force from 1 September 2024.
• CO alarm required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, and in rooms where a flue passes through.
• Applies to private tenancies; landlords must ensure alarms remain in proper working order.
• Enforcement by local district councils; penalties apply for failure to comply.

Also Read: Is Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Working    

5. Placement Basics Across The UK

While detailed siting varies by manufacturer, the following good practice applies in most rentals: 

• Fit alarms at breathing height (wall mounted) or ceiling mounted per instructions.
• Keep at least 300 mm from walls if ceiling mounted, 150 mm below the ceiling if wall mounted (check guidance).
• Position within 1 to 3 metres of the fuel-burning appliance where possible.
• Avoid corners, dead air spaces, bathrooms, or locations near extract fans or openable windows that could dilute readings.
• Where tenants sleep in the same room as an appliance, ensure the alarm is audible from the bed area.

6. Alarm Type, Power Source, And Performance

Legislation usually does not mandate mains vs battery power; however, best practice encourages: 

• Sealed long-life (tamper-proof) lithium battery CO alarms for ease in rentals.
• Mains-powered alarms with battery backup for long-term or high-occupancy properties.
• British Standards compliance: look for BS EN 50291 marking.
• Alarms with test buttons and end-of-life signals to aid maintenance.

Also Read: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning   

 

Practical Compliance Tips For Landlords

Proactive management reduces risk, improves tenant confidence, and simplifies inspections. 

• Map all fuel-burning appliances across each rental property. Include gas boilers, open fires, log burners, back boilers, flued heaters, and oil appliances.
• Install audible CO alarms in every required room, and consider additional alarms in bedrooms for vulnerable tenants.
• Use labelled, tamper-resistant mounting plates so units are not moved between rooms.
• Combine alarm testing with annual gas safety checks to streamline visits.
• Add CO alarm status to digital property management software or a maintenance log.
• Provide tenants with a simple, one-page instruction sheet covering alarm testing, what to do if it sounds, and emergency contacts.
• When upgrading heating systems or changing appliances, reassess alarm locations.

Also Read: Landlords Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms     

 

Protect Tenants With Compliant CO Alarms From Maintracts Services

Meeting the legal requirements for CO alarms in rental properties helps protect lives and reduce liability. Maintracts Services provides compliant alarm installation, landlord safety checks, and full gas appliance servicing across London. Whether managing a single flat or a portfolio, alarms are tested, logged, and positioned following current guidance, ensuring you remain inspection-ready. 

Contact us on 020 8682 2244 or email info@maintracts.co.uk to book an installation, compliance survey, or annual maintenance visit.