1. Smoke & CO Alarm Requirements in England (Surrey & London)

Effective Date: 1 October 2022

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 apply to all landlords in:

• Surrey
• London
• England (residential rental properties)

Your legal obligations include:

1. Smoke Alarms

• Must be installed on every storey used as living accommodation.
• Must be compliant and in working order at the start of each tenancy.

2. CO Alarms

Required in every room containing a fixed combustion appliance, such as:

• Gas boilers
• Biomass boilers
• Log burners
• Gas fires
  (Gas cookers are the only exception)

3. Repairs & Replacements

Landlords must repair or replace faulty alarms as soon as they are reported.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Local authorities can fine landlords up to £5,000 per breach.

---

2. How This Links to Your Annual Gas Safety Inspection

During your annual Gas Safety Check (CP12), a Gas Safe engineer must:

• Check the presence and validity of all smoke and CO alarms
• Document alarms that are expired or missing
• Record compliance on the final Gas Safety Certificate

This gives landlords formal proof that a qualified professional checked the alarms.

Certificates4UK Ltd includes this as standard in every CP12 inspection across Surrey & London.

---

3. Regulations Across Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland (For Multi-Region Landlords)

If you manage property across the UK, note these differences:

🇬🇧 Scotland

• Interlinked smoke alarms in circulation areas
• Heat alarm in the kitchen
• CO alarms in all rooms with combustion appliances
• Stringent requirements for wiring and interlinking

🏴 Wales

• Interlinked smoke alarms on every storey
• CO alarms in all fuel-burning rooms (including gas cookers)
• Hard-wired systems preferred

🇮🇪 Northern Ireland

From September 2024:

• Smoke alarms in living rooms and circulation areas
• Heat alarms in kitchens
• CO alarms in rooms with combustion appliances
• All alarms must be interlinked

Even in these regions, annual gas safety inspections should verify the presence and validity of alarms.

Government guidance on smoke & CO alarm legislation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords

---

4. Practical Compliance Tips for Landlords in Surrey & London

1. Install Alarms Meeting British Standards

• Smoke alarms: BS EN 14604
• CO alarms: BS EN 50291-1

2. Keep Written Evidence

Record installation dates, expiry dates, maintenance, and tenant notifications.

3. Inform Tenants of Their Role

Tenants should test alarms regularly and report faults immediately. Include this in tenancy agreements.

4. Conduct Periodic Property Checks

Catch expired, tampered, or removed alarms early.

5. Use Your Gas Safety Inspection as an Annual Compliance Check

Certificates4UK Ltd engineers automatically verify all alarms during your CP12.

---

5. Penalties & Enforcement

Local authorities can issue:

• Remedial notices
• Enforcement visits
• Fines of up to £5,000 per property
• Loss of licensing approval (HMO & selective licensing areas)

Staying compliant protects your tenants and your rental business.

---

6. Why Landlords Choose Certificates4UK Ltd

Certificates4UK Ltd (based in West Molesey) provides:

• Gas Safety Certificates (CP12)
• Smoke & CO alarm inspections
• Alarm replacement (on request)
• Boiler servicing & safety checks
• Full landlord compliance support

Established in 2011, Certificates4UK Ltd has been providing professional heating, gas, electrical, and property compliance services across Surrey and London.

• West Molesey
• Surrey
• Kingston
• Richmond
• Wimbledon
• London

We ensure your alarms meet legal standards and keep your property fully compliant.