All social homes required to have smoke alarms fitted

People living in social housing will be safer in their homes under new rules that will mean smoke alarms must be fitted in all rented accommodation.

Housing Minister Eddie Hughes said that the announcement will mean housing providers are required by law to install smoke alarms in all social housing, and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in social and private rented properties with fixed appliances such as gas boilers or fires.

The regulation changes will also require: carbon monoxide alarms to be fitted when new appliances such as gas boilers or fires are installed in any home; and landlords and housing providers in social and private rented sectors to repair or replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms once they are told they are faulty.

The cost of the new requirements to install and maintain alarms will fall to property owners.

Guidance relating to where alarms are fitted and to ensure alarms meet relevant standards will also be updated.

Eddie Hughes said: “It is fundamentally right for people to feel safe in their own homes – an issue I’ve advocated for many years. Around 20 people are killed each year in accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and many more through house fires – but we know that simple interventions can stop these needless deaths.

“I’m proud that the new rules being proposed will ensure even more homes are fitted with life-saving alarms. Whether you own your home, are privately renting or in social housing – everyone deserves to feel safe and this is an incredibly important step in protecting those at risk.”