Alarms
Your home must have a working smoke alarm on every floor of your home. If you have solid fuel heating, your landlord must also fit a carbon monoxide detector.
If there is a fire, call the Fire Brigade on 999.
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.
Your landlord must also fit a carbon monoxide detector if your rented home has either a:
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gas boiler
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coal fire
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wood fire
Your landlord must make sure that the alarms provided are in working order at the start of any new tenancy.
Landlords who do not do this are putting your life at risk. They also risk a fine of £5,000.
HMOs
Your landlord has extra legal responsibilities if the house or flat you share with other tenants is a house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Once you have moved in
You are responsible for checking the alarm works after you move in. If an alarm stops working, check if it needs new batteries or contact the landlord to arrange a replacement alarm.
If your landlord has not fitted alarms, you could ask your landlord to install them. 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.
Take action
If your landlord will not fit the proper alarms, tell our environmental health & housing team
Telephone: 0207 364 5008
Email:environmental.health@towerhamlets.gov.uk
We will issue a notice telling your landlord to fit and test the alarms within 28 days. If the landlord does not do this, we will:
We promise that we will keep you informed of the progress of any action we take.
Find out if your landlord or agent has been convicted of housing offences.
Regulations and guidance
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022
The Government has some guidance for landlords and tenants.