Fire safety is a priority for all landlords, so if you are thinking of renting your property or already have one let ensure you have fitted smoke alarms on every floor. Current Building Regulations rules state that properties built after June 1992 are required to have a mains operated inter-connected smoke alarm fitted on every level of the property.  Properties built prior to this date do not have to comply however we advise all our landlords to provide at least battery operated smoke alarms to ensure safety. 

We also suggest prior to letting a property for landlords to determine who will be responsible for testing and maintaining the smoke alarms – you the landlord, the agent or the tenant. If the agent is to be responsible, make sure this information is noted in the contract. If your tenant is to be made responsible then adequate warnings must be given in writing by you the landlord. 

Documents such as the tenancy agreement, the inventory and the appliance operating instruction and emergency procedures information pack given to tenants, should mention the responsibility of the tenant to test and replace batteries in smoke alarms when fitted.