Did you know that it is a legal requirement to have a fully operational fire detection system installed in your property? As a landlord or estate agent, the smoke alarms in your rental accommodation must be correctly installed by someone electrically trained and fitted in all the correct locations.
Smoke Alarm Installation
All rental properties in England now come under a higher detection level requirement than ever before.
Where Should Smoke Alarms be Placed?
Smoke alarm designs and placements are usually determined by a fire risk assessment that adheres with British Standard BS 5839-6:2019. Ensure your property adheres to the minimum requirements set out in the fire risk assessment.
Landlords and estate agents must follow these regulations. The amendment to table 1 in 2019 states that rental properties should have a Grade D1, LD2 system as a minimum.
Grade D1 is the type of detector used.
- Grade D1: This is a mains powered detector with a tamper-proof standby supply consisting of an in-built battery. These are a backup in case the mains power fails.
Category LD2 states where the detectors should be installed/sited.
- In this case, LD2 states: escape routes, and the principle habitable room (typically the lounge), should have a smoke alarm. Additionally, a heat detector should be installed in the kitchen.
The newly amended regulations also require landlords to have new tenancy smoke alarm checks. A landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy. NSI can arrange this for you professionally and swiftly, simply book here.
Interlinked Detectors
Additionally, all smoke alarms must be interlinked (connected to one another).
When connected, all smoke alarms will be activated at the same time, ensuring everyone in the property is alerted. There are 2 ways connection occurs:
- Wired: The detectors are joined together by a wire.
- Wireless: The detectors are connected via radio frequency.
How often should smoke detectors be tested?
Your smoke alarms should be regularly checked by someone electrically trained for damage, deterioration, or non-compliances with present day safety standards. You can be confident that every engineer at NSI is electrically trained.
Plumbers and heating engineers may not be qualified to carry out these checks and any missed hazards could leave them, and you, accountable.
At NSI, we suggest yearly professional checks.
How much does it cost?
Is your smoke alarm beeping? Are they installed in the correct locations? Book in for your smoke alarm test now. Prices start from just £65 + VAT* (*dependent upon location).
Our NSI electricians offer the most efficient and professional service. Just take a look at our 900+ 4.9-star reviews!
If you would like to find out more about our SAFE Certified package, which combines three amazing services in just one appointment (including smoke alarm testing), with savings of over £100 per property, click here.