Carbon monoxide alarm rules for Scottish landlords
Where a CO detector is required in a Scottish rented home, what type, how long it lasts and how it fits with the annual gas safety check. Official sources.
By AJ, certified Gas Safe engineer and lead plumber at 247 Emergency Plumbers Edinburgh · Checked
In Scotland, every home with a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, open fire, wood burner or non-electric heater, or a flue, must have a carbon monoxide detector. Since 1 February 2022 this has been part of the Tolerable Standard, which applies to all homes, and private landlords must meet it as part of the Repairing Standard. Gas cookers and hobs do not need one.
The rules at a glance
Where
A CO detector is needed where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance such as a boiler, fire, flue or non-electric heater. The Scottish Government says it goes in the same room as the appliance.
Cooking
Gas cookers and hobs do not need a CO detector. mygov.scot advises not fitting one right next to a gas cooking appliance, as it can cause false alarms.
Type
Either a sealed battery alarm or a mains-wired alarm fitted by a qualified electrician. It does not need to be linked to the smoke alarms. Look for the Kitemark to EN 50291-1.
Lifespan
Sealed battery CO alarms last up to 10 years. Mains-wired alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
Who is responsible
In a rented home, the landlord. mygov.scot says landlords are responsible for alarms in rented homes.
Not a substitute
A CO alarm does not replace the annual gas safety check, and the gas safety check does not replace the alarm.
What to do
List every carbon-fuelled appliance and flue in the property, including any in cupboards.
Fit a CO detector in each of those rooms, following the manufacturer's positioning instructions.
Note the expiry date of each alarm in your records.
Test alarms at the start of each tenancy, and show tenants how to test them.
Book the annual gas safety check, and ask the engineer to note any concerns about flues or ventilation.
Where our plumbers can help
Annual gas safety checks by Gas Safe registered engineers
Boiler and flue checks, servicing and repairs
Advice on which rooms have carbon-fuelled appliances or flues
Landlords and letting agents: one number for repairs.
Plumbing, heating and gas work across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Our callout is from £75 in standard hours (out of hours £100–£180). Work and parts are agreed before we start. Tell us who approves the work and how to arrange access with the tenant.
Our emergency line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rules change. This page is general guidance for private landlords in Scotland, not legal advice. Check the official guidance linked above.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Helpful answers before you call.
Do landlords in Scotland need carbon monoxide alarms?
Yes, wherever there is a carbon-fuelled appliance such as a gas boiler, open fire, wood burner or non-electric heater, or a flue. Gas cookers and hobs are excluded.
Does a carbon monoxide alarm need to be linked to the smoke alarms?
No. In Scotland, smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked, but the carbon monoxide detector does not need to be linked to them.
What should a tenant do if the CO alarm goes off?
Get everyone into fresh air, turn off appliances if it is safe, open windows and call the gas emergency line on 0800 111 999. Seek medical help if anyone feels unwell.
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