Carbon monoxide alarms rules for landlords 2026

What you must do

You must have a carbon monoxide alarm in every room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (for example a gas boiler or a solid-fuel fire) — gas cookers are excluded. Alarms must be checked and confirmed working at the start of each new tenancy, and repaired or replaced promptly if a tenant reports a fault. Breaches can result in a remedial notice and a fine of up to £5,000.

This is a legal obligation for private landlords in England. Keeping dated records is the simplest way to prove you have met it if a tenant, council or lender ever asks.

How often / when

At the start of each new tenancy.

CertSafe works out the exact next-due date for your property automatically once you enter when it was last done, and reminds you at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 days before — plus if anything slips overdue.

The penalty for getting it wrong

Up to £5,000 per breach.

Penalties are set by legislation and enforced by local authorities or the courts. They can also complicate possession, mortgage and insurance matters, which is why lenders increasingly ask to see a compliance record.

Your quick checklist

1. Find the date this was last done (or arrange it now if it hasn't been).

2. Keep the certificate or record somewhere safe and give any required copy to your tenant.

3. Diarise the next deadline — or let CertSafe track it and remind you.

Frequently asked questions