Regulations
Landlords are responsible for:
• Installing the alarm
• Repairing the alarm
• Checking by or on behalf of the landlord to ensure the alarm is in proper working order on the day the tenancy begins if it is a new tenancy
• Repairing or replacing the alarm following a report by a tenant or by their nominated representative the alarm is found not to be in proper working order
The regulations do not stipulate the type of alarms (such as mains powered (‘hard-wired’) or battery powered) that should be installed.
UK Government Guidance
- Testing of the alarms does not require specialist skills or knowledge and should be straightforward for tenants to do
- If tenants find that their alarms are not in working order during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange for the replacement of the batteries {this piece of guidance is obviously intended for alarms with replaceable batteries}
Good Practice
- When the alarm is checked on the day the tenancy begins, show the tenant how to test the alarm
- If the alarm has a replaceable battery, provide instructions for the tenant on how to replace the battery
Further Reading
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022
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