Complete Gas Safety Guide

October 1st, 2015. This legislation was introduced as part of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, making it a legal requirement for all rental properties to have working smoke alarms.

They should be fitted on each floor like a hallway or the landing in a well-ventilated space, at least 30cm away from a wall or a light fitting. This ensures optimal detection while avoiding false alarms from cooking or steam.

It is the landlord's responsibility to ensure a smoke alarm is fitted correctly and is in date. This includes initial installation, ensuring the alarm meets current standards, and replacing alarms when they expire.

It is a landlord's responsibility to replace and maintain the smoke alarm via yearly checks and a gas engineer will test them on the annual gas inspection. However, tenants are responsible for testing it weekly and reporting any faults. Tenants can also replace batteries when needed.

You have to be vigilant and assume that the smoke alarm is out of date and replace it. Most smoke alarms have a 10-year lifespan, and without clear dating, it's better to err on the side of caution for safety.

Yes, it will fail. It is part of the test on a gas inspection. If it's not working or is missing, then it is a failed inspection. However, if you are doing a gas inspection to sell your property, you don't legally need one as you aren't renting to tenants.

Yes, up to £5,000. Local authorities can impose this fine for each property that doesn't comply with smoke alarm regulations. Repeat offenders may face higher penalties.