Fire Alarms

The building regulations require that all properties built after June 1992, must have a mains operated inter-connected smoke alarm fitted on every level of the property.Older properties do not have to comply but Landlords would be well advised to provide at least battery operated smoke alarms in the property.

It is important to determine who is responsible for testing and maintaining the smoke alarms - the Landlord, Agent or Tenant. If the Agent is to be responsible, this should be noted in the Tenancy Agreement. If the Tenant is to be made responsible for this then adequate warnings must be given in writing to check the batteries. At the same point one should test the smoke alarms during property inspections.

There are smoke alarms available called Fire Angel Plug-in Smoke Alarms.

Fire Extinguishers

There is a compulsory requirement to provide fire extinguishers or fire blankets in Houses of Multiple occupation [shared houses] but not in normal tenanted properties. This area is becoming increasingly vague, for not only do we have the Fire Safety Order regulations but selective licensing where your local council will define what they require. Provision of extra fire safety may be a wise precaution, at least in the kitchen area for 50% of fires are a result of cooking.

Having made the decision to provide fire extinguishers though, the Landlord or Agent should then arrange for a 12 monthly service.

Due Diligence

In the event of a Tenant complaint or an incident, the defence of "due diligence" may be accepted where it can be shown that the Landlord or Agent took all reasonable steps to avoid committing an offence - you will need documentary evidence of this.

The dilemma becomes protecting tenants, protecting your investment and becoming responsible because you provided the equipment and then arguably had a responsibility to maintain.