Smoke alarms rules for landlords 2026

What you must do

You must have at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the property used as living accommodation. Alarms must be checked and confirmed to be in working order at the start of each new tenancy. If a tenant reports a fault during the tenancy you must repair or replace the alarm as soon as reasonably practicable. Local authorities can issue a remedial notice and impose a fine of up to £5,000 per breach.

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