Topics
Relevance to supported housing providers
1. One of the expectations of the Government’s Supported Housing: National Statement of Expectations (NSE) (England) is that accommodation providers must fit and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Duties under the regulations (as amended)
Smoke alarms
2. Providers must install at least one smoke alarm on every floor with living accommodation. This includes bathrooms and lavatories. Alarms must be checked on the first day of new tenancies.
Carbon monoxide alarms
3. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in any room used for living that contains a fixed combustion appliance, except gas cookers.
Testing and repairs
4. Providers must repair or replace faulty alarms as soon as possible after being notified by the tenant or their representative. They must keep records of all alarm checks and tests.
Remedial notices
5. Providers must comply with any remedial notices from local authorities within 28 days, or 21 days if the notice is initially suspended.
Access for Installation
6. If providers fail to install alarms, local authorities can arrange for alarms to be fitted after giving 48 hours’ notice. Providers must provide access.
Exemptions
7. Supported housing is exempt if it qualifies as a refuge, care home or healthcare premises. Sheltered accommodation is only exempt if it is a regulated care home. Most supported housing will have to comply.
8. So in summary, unless specifically exempt, providers of supported housing must install, maintain and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as required, provide access to local authorities if needed, and comply with any enforcement action.
Sources
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legislation | Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 No 1693 |
| Enabling Act | Energy Act 2013 |
| Recent Main Amending Legislation | Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 No 707 |
| Latest Guidance | Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for local authorities |