Safety
Check smoke and CO alarms work on the day a new tenancy begins
On the first day of each new tenancy, check that every required smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is in proper working order.
- Status
- In force since 1 October 2015
- Penalty
- Civil penalty up to £5,000
- Topic
- Safety
Who it applies to
New tenancies (granted on or after 1 October 2022) within the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015. A renewal between the same landlord and tenant for the same or substantially the same premises is not a new tenancy.
What you must do
Ensure checks are made by or on behalf of the landlord that each prescribed alarm is in proper working order on the day the tenancy begins (the day the tenant is entitled to possession).
- Deadline
0 days before the start of the tenancy
On the day the tenancy begins.
Evidence to keep
- Check-in report signed by the tenant recording each alarm tested and working
If you do not comply
- Civil penalty
- Up to £5,000
- Other consequences
- Council remedial notice (28 days) and penalty charge up to £5,000.
The law
- SI 2015/1693, reg 4(1)(b), 4(3) and 4(4)legislation.gov.uk
Official guidance
Notes
Part of the 'new tenancy' definition in reg 4(4) was omitted from 1 May 2026 by SI 2026/325 as a Renters' Rights Act consequential amendment; the remaining exclusion for renewals between the same parties still applies.
Other safety rules
22 rules- Annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineerIn force since 3 October 1998
Every gas appliance and flue you provide must be safety-checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer within 12 months of installation and then at least every 12 months, and within the 12 months before any new tenancy starts.
- Keep gas fittings and flues in a safe conditionIn force since 3 October 1998
Between annual checks you must keep the gas appliances, pipework and flues you are responsible for safe, and act promptly on any defect found.
- Keep gas safety recordsIn force since 6 April 2018
Keep each gas safety record until two further checks have been made on that appliance or flue, and make it available to occupiers on request.
- Give existing tenants the gas safety record within 28 daysIn force since 3 October 1998
After each annual gas check, give a copy of the record to every existing tenant within 28 days.
- Give new tenants the gas safety record before they move inIn force since 3 October 1998
A new tenant must receive a copy of the latest gas safety record before they occupy the property.
- Electrical installation inspection and test at least every 5 yearsIn force since 1 June 2020Fine up to £40,000
Have the fixed electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person before each tenancy starts and at least every 5 years, or sooner if the report says so.
- Give existing tenants the electrical report within 28 daysIn force since 1 June 2020Fine up to £40,000
After each electrical inspection, give a copy of the report to each existing tenant within 28 days.
- Give new tenants the electrical report before they move inIn force since 1 June 2020Fine up to £40,000
A new tenant must receive a copy of the most recent electrical report before occupying the property.
- Give prospective tenants the electrical report within 28 days of a written requestIn force since 1 June 2020Fine up to £40,000
If a prospective tenant asks in writing for the electrical report, you must supply it within 28 days.
- Give the council the electrical report within 7 days of a written requestIn force since 1 June 2020Fine up to £40,000
If the council asks in writing for the electrical report, you must send it within 7 days.
- Keep the electrical report and pass it to the next inspectorIn force since 1 November 2025Fine up to £40,000
Keep each electrical report until the next inspection is due or done, and give a copy to the person doing the next inspection.
- Complete electrical remedial or investigative work within 28 daysIn force since 1 June 2020Fine up to £40,000
If the electrical report records C1 or C2 defects or FI (further investigation), have the work done by a qualified person within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report says so.
- Send written confirmation of electrical remedial work to tenants and the council within 28 daysIn force since 1 June 2020Fine up to £40,000
After remedial or investigative work, get written confirmation from a qualified person and send it, with the original report, to the tenants and the council within 28 days of completion.
There must be a smoke alarm on each storey that has a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation, including bathrooms and toilets, throughout the tenancy.
- Carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion applianceIn force since 1 October 2022Fine up to £5,000
Any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (other than a gas cooker), such as a boiler, gas fire or wood burner, must have a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Repair or replace faulty smoke or CO alarms after a tenant reportIn force since 1 October 2022Fine up to £5,000
If a tenant reports that an alarm is not working, check it and repair or replace it as soon as reasonably practicable.
Landlords must assess the risk of tenants being exposed to Legionella from the hot and cold water system and put simple controls in place. A test certificate is not required.
Upholstered furniture, beds, mattresses, pillows and cushions you provide in a let must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations, which is normally shown by a permanent label.
Whoever manages an HMO must meet the HMO management regulations on contact details, fire safety, water, gas and electricity, common parts, living accommodation and waste, whether or not the HMO is licensed.
- HMO manager: send the gas safety certificate to the council within 7 days of a requestIn force since 6 April 2006Fine up to £40,000
If the council asks in writing, the HMO manager must send the latest gas safety certificate within 7 days.
Give existing tenants a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of each check, and new tenants the latest record before they move in.
Give existing tenants the EICR within 28 days of the inspection, new tenants before they move in, and prospective tenants within 28 days of a written request.