Since 1st October 2015 it has been a mandatory requirement for all rental properties to be fitted with smoke detectors. The regulations are actually not too stringent - at least one smoke detector is required on each floor and a Carbon Monoxide detector is required in each room where a solid fuel appliance (eg a fireplace) is located. The detectors must be proved to be working at the commencement of a tenancy.
However, I am seeing more and more confusion on this subject and the regulations are wide-open for interpretation! I'll try to avoid a lengthy article with some quick points about the requirements - I'll then give you some tips for easy installation of alarms:
1) Smoke detectors come in 2 forms: Ionisation sensor (cheapest but prone to nuisance alarms) and optical. You can install either but if you install an ionisation alarm near a kitchen it will activate with cooking fumes; your tenants could well get frustrated with it and tamper with it to disable it - which defeats the object of installing it!
2) For the purposes of the regulations, I would advise that a Heat Detector is NOT classed as suitable equipment - these should be used in addition to smoke detectors.
3) BIG AREA OF CONFUSION: Mains powered smoke detectors and interconnected smoke detectors with a battery back-up (ie a Grade D system) are undoubtedly a superior system but they are NOT essential when retrofitting in a rental property nor are they a requirement of the regulations. Standalone battery smoke detectors are just as suitable for retrofitting. A Grade-D system is only required in new build properties or new build extensions/conversions.
4) However, installing mains-connected smoke detectors to a property (either via a new dedicated circuit or via an existing lighting circuit) is a good option but MUST, under Part P of The Building Regulations, be installed by a registered electrician.
5) Any smoke detector must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions in order to comply with BS7671/BS5839/BS14604. This means they should not be physically altered or located in areas not detailed in the instructions.
6) Smoke detectors usually have a 10 year life (not the battery - the whole unit). Just because the alarm operates when tested does not mean they're functioning correctly - the sensor weakens with time.
So what's the best solution for retrofitting in a rental property?
1) Don't go for the cheapest! It's a complete false economy!
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| Bad Example: This new system was recently spotted by Chris on a visit to a friend's house (a rental property). The supply cable had been surface mounted in trunking and this alarm had a hole hacked in the side to allow for cable access (this model is designed with only one cable side- entry point for surface cable, but the clumsy way it has been configured requires 2 side entry access points). This means the cable is routed underneath the base and sandwiched between the base and the ceiling. This was installed in 2016 and almost certainly as a result of recent legislation. |
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| The trunking is unsightly and snakes through the house with messy silicone sealing the joints. Ok, it works - but if I was the landlord I'd be horrified by the ugly, botched nature of this work! Landlords - seek professional advice and use the correct tradesman. I suspect this is an example of DIY or an unqualified tradesman. Battery operated radio linked detectors would have been SO much easier/tidier! |
3) There are some excellent battery-only smoke detectors - tip: go for a lithium battery with 10 year battery life - these batteries are sealed in the unit and cannot be removed, which means tenants cannot tamper with them and there is no issue with batteries going flat
4) A REALLY GOOD SOLUTION, which is easy to install is a 10-year, lithium battery alarm which is radio interlinked. Eg FireAngel WST637. They're about £60 each but you, or a friendly handyman, can install them very quickly and easily meaning your installation fee is negligible (an electrician is not required). The risk of tampering/removal/life of batteries is also significantly reduced which means you should have fewer, if any, ongoing costs.
5) If you want to install mains powered alarms then consider radio interlinked alarms such as the AICO EI168 and compatible detectors. These can draw their power from a nearby light fitting (assuming a permanent live conductor is present - remember, a smoke detector needs to be installed no closer than 300mm to a light fitting or other electrical accessory. You should consult an electrician for advice as RCD protection may also be required). Whilst the cost of the units is more expensive, the installation is much easier than a system requiring cable to be routed between floors.
6) Finally - don't mix up your manufacturers of alarms on the same circuit. It's bad practice, probably not compliant with the aforementioned references and they might not work properly together.
Summary
If you need advice or are unsure then contact us for a friendly and free consultation. Your local
fire brigade will give you advice and, possibly, even free alarms. When it comes to electrical installations then consult an electrician accredited to the Registered Competent Person-Electrical scheme.
TOP TIP: Falls from ladders cost the UK 60 million a year, account for a third of major injuries and is the number one work-place killer. Be careful installing smoke detectors!
By Chris Chambers
Legal Disclaimer. This content is not intended to be legal advice or an official source of information. Landlords and/or agents should seek official advice from a relevant professional or official organisation in order to assist them to satisfy their legal obligations.
Copyright and plagiarism. The photos and content in this blog article are original material authored by Chris Chambers. Downloading and printing for personal use is permitted. Reproduction in a public forum, eg on a website or a link on a social media, must include suitable references and identify Chris Chambers of Proudhouse Property Management as the author.
