A fire in a rental property must be a landlord’s worst nightmare, posing a serious danger to your tenants. But having the right smoke alarms in place gives your tenants time to act if the worst happens.
While the vast majority of landlords take their fire safety responsibilities extremely seriously, the need to get it right when it comes to installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is also enshrined in law.
The rules across the UK nations differ. In Wales smoke alarms fall under the Welsh government’s Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations, which came into force a year ago. The regulations cover a whole raft of issues that impact on the health and safety of tenants – and where to fit smoke alarms is up there as a key concern.
If you’re new to renting out property in Wales, or you aren’t sure what the new law means for landlords, we answer some frequently asked questions.
What are the rules for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Wales?
Landlords in Wales must make sure they have installed at least one mains-powered smoke alarm on every storey of the property. These hard-wired alarms must be linked together.
There must also be a carbon monoxide detector in rooms with a solid fuel burning appliance. Carbon monoxide detectors are particularly important because this gas is often described as a ‘silent killer’ – meaning it has no smell or other early warning signs of poisoning.
Landlords are also advised to test smoke alarms regularly – during property inspection visits or if carrying out other repairs, for example.
What type of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required in Wales?
The landlord smoke alarm regulations say you need to install mains-powered smoke alarms. The alarms should conform to British Standard (BS) 5839 (part 6). If you’re unsure about the model to fit, contact North Wales Fire and Rescue Service for advice. An electrician who specialises in smoke alarms should also be able to help you fit the correct model.
Where should smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be located?
At least one hard-wired smoke alarm (mains powered) must be installed on each storey of the property and they should be interlinked. These are minimum standards. In larger properties it may be helpful to install additional alarms. Site your smoke alarms where they will be heard by all your tenants, especially at night. In most properties this will be a hall or landing.
Around 60% of domestic fires start in the kitchen, so heat alarms for this room are also recommended.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in all rooms with a solid fuel burning appliance (a gas boiler or wood burning stove, for example). Unlike smoke alarms, which are usually placed on the ceiling, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed at a lower height so they go off before the gas has reached a dangerous level – check your manufacturer’s guide for details.
What is a solid fuel burning appliance?
A solid fuel burning, or combustion appliance is one fuelled by coal, wood, oil or gas – such as a gas boiler or fire, a coal fire or wood burning stove. These appliances could cause carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly if there is a lack of proper ventilation.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can quickly cause death or injury. However, the alarms offer an effective early warning system that the gas is present.
What other safety responsibilities do landlords in Wales have?
Faulty wiring and electrics are a common cause of domestic fires as well as other dangers to your tenants. As part of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act, introduced in July 2022, all Welsh landlords must schedule periodic inspection and testing (PIT) of electrical installations in their premises. PIT tests must take place at least every five years. Once an electrician has conducted a PIT test, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), which must be given to your tenant within seven days of their moving in. Find out more about electrical safety for landlords in Wales.
If you’re a Welsh landlord, with property in Llangefni, Bangor, Holyhead, Gwynedd or Anglesey, and you’re feeling unsure about landlord smoke alarm regulations – or any aspect of renting out property – we’d love to chat to you about your property and how we can help you meet your landlord obligations. Contact us to discuss our range of services for landlords.
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