CO Advice, Fire Safety
Since 2015, smoke alarms are legally required in all private rented property. Carbon monoxide alarms must also be placed in rooms with a solid fuel burning appliance.
Following a number of fatal fires in the private rental sector, the Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations came into force in 2015 outlining what alarms landlords need to install in a property.
For properties in England & Wales
In January 2022, the Government published its response to the Regulations with the result that the scope of the Regulations will be extended to include public sector landlords. This means there will be additional requirements which both private and public sector landlords will have to abide by.
These extended Regulations will come into force as soon as parliamentary time allows and once in effect, there will be no grace period given for compliance.
Proposed amendments to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 include:
For properties in Scotland
For properties in Northern Ireland & Ireland
Government guidance is set out to help landlords meet and go beyond legislative requirements, to provide a level of fire safety that meets the British Standards.
Smoke and heat alarms: Follow British Standard BS5839-6:2019
The British Standards Institution updated Part 6 of BS 5839:6 in 2019 with alterations to grading and levels of protection, including the requirement to fit heat alarms in kitchens.
This applies to landlords to ensure constant compliance when specifying, installing and maintaining fire detection systems in domestic properties.
Read more of the key changes and the areas landlords should be aware of in our guide.
Carbon monoxide alarms: Follow European Standard EN 50292:2013
The European Standard EN 50292:2013 offers recommendations on the installation and maintenance of CO alarms in domestic properties.
This ensures that a carbon monoxide leak can be detected from all potential sources and heard throughout the property. Find out more.
We recommend landlords follow best practice and fit FireAngel Specification alarms to ensure their tenants are safe and their property is protected.
Multi-sensor smoke alarms with Thermoptek technology uses a thermally enhanced optical sensor to provide a rapid response to all types of fire. These alarms are ideal in bedrooms, living rooms, hallways and landings.
An audible carbon monoxide alarm featuring electrochemical sensing technology should be placed 1-3 metres away from any fuel burning appliance (such as gas hobs, boilers or open fires), ideal in living spaces and also in bedrooms.
Heat alarms with Thermistek heat sensing technology provide a faster reaction to fire and have been designed to fit in kitchens to reduce nuisance alarms often caused by cooking. They are also ideal for other areas where there are high levels of fumes, smoke or dust such as lofts and garages.
FireAngel protect, save and improve our customers’ lives by making innovative, cutting-edge technology simple and accessible.
We’re proud to have developed numerous safety industry firsts, deploying over 70 million products and holding over 80 patents.
As the UK’s leading brand of mains and battery powered domestic smoke, heat and CO alarm solutions and trusted technology fitted by UK Fire & Rescue Services since 2007, here at FireAngel we’re proud to be leading the way with state-of–the-art innovative technology delivering the most efficient and desirable home safety solutions for all.
Our safety solutions are available from all leading trade distributors and are used nationally by social housing providers and trade professionals to ensure maximum safety against fire and carbon monoxide (CO).
Get in touch to find out what fire and CO solutions are available to you or view our products suited for all budgets and installations here.
*Please note: The above summary is based on FireAngel’s interpretation of the legislation, always refer direct to a standard for specific guidance
