The new regulations will also mean that in future carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted when new appliances such as gas boilers or fires are installed in any home.

And landlords, or agents acting on their behalf, must 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.

These provisions for the private rental sector were revealed in an announcement from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities that smoke alarms must be fitted in all social housing - bringing social housing into line with the private rental sector. 

The reforms follow a three month consultation and changes will be brought forward through the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 and the statutory guidance (Approved Document J) supporting Part J of the Building Regulations.

Junior housing minister Eddie Hughes says: “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.”

And Jim Bywater of the National Fire Chiefs Council adds: “The new regulations will contribute to reducing fire and carbon monoxide casualties and fatalities and bring consistency and greater protection to those living in both private and social rented homes."