Government mandates smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rented homes
New requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rented homes are due to come into force on 1st October 2022.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) recently outlined new guidance requiring smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in all rented homes. The guidance also includes the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in all rented homes with a boiler.
From October smoke alarms will be mandatory in all social housing. This is in addition to existing requirements for the installation of smoke alarms in privately rented homes.
In both social housing and privately rented homes, carbon monoxide alarms will become mandatory in any room with a fixed combustion appliance. These include clothes dryers and space heaters, but exclude gas cookers. Carbon monoxide alarms will also be compulsory in all homes with a fixed combustion appliance subject to amendments to Approved Document J. It is worth noting this is already a requirement for solid fuel appliances.
While the changes begin from 1 October 2022, transitional arrangements are expected. Further information and updates can be found on the DLUHC website.
This article originally appeared on the Electrical Contractors Association news and blog site on August 9 under the same title.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BS 5839-1.
- Carbon monoxide.
- Carbon monoxide detector.
- Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
- Domestic smoke alarms DG525.
- Fire detection and alarm system.
- Fire detector.
- Housing minister.
- Heat alarm.
- Interlinked fire alarm safety laws in Scotland.
- Ionisation smoke alarm.
- Levelling up.
- Levelling up the infrastructure agenda.
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
- Multi-sensor alarm.
- Multiple-station smoke alarm.
- Optical smoke alarm.
- Smoke.
- Smoke detector.
- Smoke detection in high ceiling spaces.
- Smoke barrier.
- Types of building sensors
- The causes of false fire alarms in buildings.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.