Fire alarms: (as of September 2010)
Installing a fire alarm is a legal requirement in most commercial and industrial premises Thus alerting of a fire or a smouldering problem and getting persons and alarm raised quickly. Fire alarms are extremely reliable and with regular testing can be a life-s
Landlords and mains power smoke alarms with battery backup.
Under the common law, Landlords have the duty to ensure the safety of rented property and its contents to Tenants, occupants, neighbours or the public do not suffer injury or damage.
The 1991 Smoke Detectors Act, requires that all new houses that have been built since 1992 must, by law, have a smoke detector installed. The minimum requirement being one smoke alarm on each level of the building.
This is not a piece of legislation aimed specifically at residential letting property, but aimed at all new buildings. If an agent installs smoke alarms into properties that he manages or they already exist, care must be taken in ensuring that it is clear from the letting agreement that is responsible for the maintenance of the detectors including testing and battery replacement.
To neglect this matter could mean that the landlord or agent is responsible, and in the case of a fire could be held liable for being negligent in their duties. There are different rules covering Houses in Multiple Occupation with regard to the installation of smoke detectors and other fire prevention measures.
Installed smoke alarms must be accompanied with a certificate and be tested regularly by pressing the test button. Most landlord insurance requires this certificate and wont payout in the event of a claim. Only qualified electrical contractors can issue this certificate in accordance to BS5839-
Installing a fire alarm, what about a carbon monoxide alarm also?? Dangerous gas appliance cost this landlord £84,000 after a death....here
