Smoke and carbon monoxide detector requirements

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is an enforcing authority under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide and Alarm (England) Regulations 2015.

Council staff are obliged to report and address circumstances where they suspect that certain rented accommodation does not have the necessary alarms, or they have not been tested (on commencement of tenancies from 1st October 2015) or are not working.

Landlords initially get 28 days written notice to meet their alarm obligations, or challenge why they should not.

If they fail to do either, the Council MUST arrange directly for the works themselves, and can then recharge the landlord for the cost of those works plus a CIVIL PENALTY – like a fine.

In accordance with legal requirements, the Council have approved a statement of principles for a charging regime in regard to enforcement works ‘in default’ to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  

Please take time to read the policy for further guidance.

The minimum level of Civil Penalty starts at £1000, so landlords are well advised to get the necessary alarms fitted, tested and working. One smoke alarm on each occupied floor, one carbon monoxide detector in each room with a solid fuel burning appliance

Last updated Monday, 1st July 2019