🔔 Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms – What You Need to Know

Since 1 October 2015, all private rented homes must have:

• At least one smoke alarm on every floor
• A carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a gas or solid fuel appliance (like a boiler or fireplace)

This includes rooms like:

• Bedrooms
• Living rooms
• Bathrooms
• Toilets

🛠️ What Kind of Alarms?

• Smoke alarms must be:
  • Hard-wired into the electrics
  • Or have a long-life battery that can’t be removed
• Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed the same way

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?

If the Council checks your property and alarms are missing:

• You’ll get 7 days to fix it
• If not, the Council can:
  • Install the alarms
  • Charge you a fine of £2,500 for the first offence
  • Charge £5,000 for repeat offences
  • Take legal action if needed

📞 Need Help or Have Questions?

Contact the Private Sector Housing Team:

• 📧 Email: PSHousing@tendringdc.gov.uk
• 📍 Address: 88–90 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1NJ
• 📞 Phone: 01255 686465
• 📝 Report a concern online

👉 View the Council’s Statement of Principles