Fire alarms for landlords and property managers.
Common areas, tenants, HMOs and several buildings at once. Records matter as much as equipment.
What matters in this kind of building
Landlords and managing agents often carry fire safety responsibility for parts of a building they don’t occupy. In a block of flats or a commercial building, the common parts usually fall to the landlord, freeholder or managing agent, while tenants look after their own space.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm duties in rented homes
- Higher standards for houses in multiple occupation and larger or converted buildings
- Fire detection and emergency lighting in common areas
- Clear records for each property: logbook, certificates, service history
- A schedule that works across several properties
Systems that tend to suit
Single lets usually need interlinked domestic alarms. HMOs, converted buildings and blocks typically need a proper system designed to the right standard, often conventional or addressable, with servicing at set intervals.
Practical points
- Test alarms at the start of each tenancy and record it
- Keep a folder per property with certificates and service reports
- Ask tenants not to remove, cover or disable alarms, and to report faults
- Get a fire safety check on any property you’ve inherited
Responsible personIf you run or manage these premises you are likely to be the ’responsible person’. See your responsibilities, or arrange a fire safety check.
Common questions.
What fire alarms does a landlord need?
Landlords in England must provide working smoke alarms on each storey with living accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms where certain appliances are present. HMOs and larger buildings usually need more. Check the current requirements for your property.
Can you look after several properties?
Yes. We survey, price and schedule servicing together and keep consistent records.
Speak to a fire engineer.
Call, message or send the form. We reply the same working day wherever we can.
