Yes, one carbon monoxide alarm is required in any room used as living accommodation which contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Where a new or replacement combustion appliance is installed, the CO alarm must be powered by a sealed lifetime battery or directly wired into the mains electrical supply.
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 applies to all social housing and rental properties in England and Wales and requires working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are installed. Specifically for carbon monoxide detectors, this 2022 update expanded existing requirements from just solid fuel burning appliances to include all fuel types. Landlords are required to ensure alarms are present, installed in an effective way to protect occupants, and in working condition at the start of each tenancy. Occupants are responsible for regular testing of alarms and replacing batteries, where applicable, but replacing a faulty or end-of-life alarm is the landlord's responsibility. The rules in Approved Document J must also be followed when a new or replacement combustion appliance is installed, just like for owner-occupied homes.
Please see our page on carbon monoxide alarm legislation for more specific guidance or view our range of suitable carbon monoxide alarms.
Reviewed: 14/09/2023 (doc:536 V1.0). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.
