Fire and smoke alarms: the law

Find out what you need to keep your home safe and compliant.


Installation of alarms

Smoke and heat alarms should be fitted as per manufacturer’s guidance.   

All carbon monoxide detectors should be either:   

  • ceiling mounted and at least 300 mm from any wall (unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer) or   

  • wall mounted and positioned at least 150 mm below the ceiling and higher than any door or window in the room (unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer)    

Asbestos in ceilings and how it affects installation 

If you have asbestos in your ceiling, you do not need to disturb this to install interlinked alarms. Instead, you can attach battery operated alarms using a firm adhesive, such as a mounting adhesive glue or sticky pads.  

If you have any doubt about asbestos and installing fire alarms in your home, you might want to seek specialist advice before doing so.  

Compliance with the standard 

For homeowners, compliance with the standards will form part of the Home Report when you sell your home.   

As this is a minimum standard for safe houses, local councils can use their statutory powers to require owners to carry out work on substandard housing. However, as is the case for other elements of the Tolerable Standard, any intervention must be proportionate, rational and reasonable and it is not a criminal offence if owners cannot to meet the standard.   

Disposing of your old alarms   

Some but not all types of alarms can be recycled at recycling centres. Look on the alarm for information or check with the manufacturer.  

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