UK Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2025: Ensuring Home Safety

UK Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations in 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

As of January 2025, the United Kingdom has implemented stringent regulations to enhance protection against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in residential properties. These regulations apply to both rented and owner-occupied homes, with specific requirements varying across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

England:

• Rented Properties: The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022 mandate that landlords ensure at least one smoke alarm is installed on every storey used as living accommodation. Additionally, a CO alarm must be present in any room used as living accommodation containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). Landlords are also responsible for repairing or replacing alarms once informed of a fault.

  gov.uk

• Owner-Occupied Properties: Building Regulations Approved Document J requires that when a new or replacement fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers) is installed, a CO alarm must be provided. The alarm should be powered by a battery designed to operate for the working life of the alarm or be mains-powered with a sensor failure warning device.

  registeredgasengineer.co.uk

Wales:

• Rented Properties: The Renting Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) (Wales) Regulations 2022 require landlords to ensure the presence of working CO alarms in any room containing a gas appliance. This includes gas cookers, differing from regulations in England.

  safelincs.co.uk

• Owner-Occupied Properties: Effective from 6 January 2025, updates to Approved Document J mandate that a CO alarm be installed in every space containing a fixed combustion appliance, including fixed flued cookers. Alarms should comply with BS EN 50291-1:2018 and include an integral sounder.

  registeredgasengineer.co.uk

Scotland:

• All Properties: Since February 2022, Scottish law requires that every home have a CO alarm in any room where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance or a flue. This excludes appliances used solely for cooking. Alarms must be either mains-powered with a backup battery or powered by a sealed battery with a lifespan of at least 10 years.
  safelincs.co.uk

Northern Ireland:

• All Properties: The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 stipulate that a CO alarm must be installed when a new or replacement combustion appliance (excluding those solely for cooking) is fitted. The alarm should be located in the same room as the appliance and be either mains-powered or powered by a sealed battery.
  safelincs.co.uk

General Recommendations:

• Alarm Standards: All CO alarms should comply with British Standards BS EN 50291 and be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Placement: Alarms should be positioned at head height, either on a wall or shelf, approximately 1 to 3 meters away from the potential source of CO. Avoid placing alarms directly above appliances or near windows and vents.

• Maintenance: Regular testing of alarms is crucial. Landlords are responsible for ensuring alarms are in working order at the start of each tenancy and for addressing any reported faults. Tenants should regularly test alarms and replace batteries if applicable.

Adherence to these regulations is essential for ensuring the safety of occupants and for legal compliance. Landlords and homeowners should stay informed about the specific requirements in their region and ensure that all necessary alarms are properly installed and maintained.