The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 have been approved by Parliament and came into force as planned on 1 October 2015.
From 1 October 2015 the regulations require smoke alarms to be installed in rented residential accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a solid fuel appliance. The regulation applies to both houses and flats.
Any property being occupied through rental will be required by law to have:

• at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their rental property which is used as living accommodation
• a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used. After that, the landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy.

Heat detectors are not considered to be sufficient; it must be a smoke detector. The regulations do not tell landlords where to place the CO alarms and guidance suggests to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  
What should you as a tenant do if there is insufficient protection in your home?

Tenants should discuss the situation with their landlord first. If a landlord is unresponsive, or unwilling to install alarms to meet legislation, they can be reported to the local housing authority. If you have any concerns please contact the Housing Conditions and supply Private Sector Housing team on 01827 709 709 or alternatively you can email Private-sectorhousing@tamworth.gov.uk

More information surrounding fire safety and the legislation and regulations for landlords