Did you know it’s just over 6 years since private sector landlords have been required to have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their rental property?  If you do not have working smoke alarms yet, you are risking not only prosecution but also your tenants’ lives and your property.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government survey of 2019-20 found 91% of all households had at least one working smoke alarm. Private renters (89%) were less likely to have at least one working smoke alarm, compared with both social renters (96%) and owner occupiers (91%).

Government statistics from March 2018 - 2019 show you are 8 times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have any working smoke alarms in your home, and Home Office data suggests that in 2019 – 2020, 52 fatalities (26%) from dwelling fires occurred where a smoke alarm was not installed.

The regulations advised that landlords should make an informed decision to choose the best alarms to protect their properties and tenants (such as hard wired or battery powered). It also advised that at least one smoke alarm should be on every storey, on the ceiling in a circulation space, i.e. a hall or a landing. Heat detectors are not a replacement for smoke alarms but are advisable in areas where cooking takes place.

One consideration should be a Hard of Hearing smoke alarm if your tenant is hearing impaired. These alarms are connected via Wi-Fi to a vibrating pad and flashing strobe light to alert the impaired occupier.

Remember modern, sealed smoke alarms have a life span of 10 years so add this to your new tenancy checklist.

The requirements are enforced by local authorities who can impose a fine of up to £5,000 where a landlord fails to comply with a remedial notice.

After the landlord’s test on the first day of the tenancy, tenants should take responsibility for their own safety and test all alarms regularly to make sure they are in working order. Testing monthly is generally considered an appropriate frequency for smoke alarms. If tenants find that their alarm(s) are not in working order during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange the replacement of the batteries (if applicable) or the alarm itself with the relevant landlord.

Lincolnshire Fire Service recommend giving some basic fire safety advice to the tenant around testing the smoke alarm, closing doors at night, keeping escape routes clear and knowing how to contact the emergency services.

Attached is a basic fire safety checklist that can be added to your tenancy packs.

For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords or contact your local fire service.

This information has been written taking references from the Government Websites.

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