susie-sue Posted September 18, 2011 Report Share Posted September 18, 2011 Hi My tenant has been in my property for the last 11 years. We get along well and there have never been any problems. I was doing an inspection this morning and noticed the smoke detector had been removed from the ceiling. He said that it kept beeping so, after replacing the battery and it still beeping, he decided to remove it. He's happy not to have it there but am I liable now that I know about it? I imagine so, but just wanted to check. My insurance doesn't say anything about a smoke detector being compulsory. Thanks in advance. BB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carryon Regardless Posted September 18, 2011 Report Share Posted September 18, 2011 Smoke detection systems are only a requirement for HMO. Having smoke detectors in less complicated rentals isn't a legislative requirement but for a few quid advisable. If there is an investigation after an incident I would think a LL would be considered more responsible. Interesting that there isn't an expectation for T's to have responsibility. Many now fit mains powered with battery back up, they can be fitted close to a ceiling rose for easy link up, and still inexpensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted September 18, 2011 Report Share Posted September 18, 2011 Mains operated smoke alarms have been part of the building regulations for new builds since the early 1990's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weenie Posted September 18, 2011 Report Share Posted September 18, 2011 My mains smoke alarm kept beeping, even after I fitted a new battery. Got it checked by an electrician and he replaced the unit. No more beeping! If you don't want to fit a mains one, perhaps you can get the 10 year long life smoke alarms, which aren't expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted September 18, 2011 Report Share Posted September 18, 2011 I only ever fit battery operated smoke alarms in my properties. I ensure that at the start of the tenancy there is an OK battery and I demostrate that it works to the tenant. My AST requires the tenant to ensure the smoke alarm is in a working condition. I carry out Inspections every 3 months and one of the inspection checks is the smoke alarm. If its not working, as if by magic, I produce a new battery from my pocket and fit it to the smoke alarm and ask the tenant to pay for the battery there and then. Perhaps its my pleasant demeanour coupled with my curteous approach on the other hand perhaps its my menacing tone and my minder, either way, tenants always pay up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampa Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 Richlist I need to employ you when can you start? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melboy Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 I have long life smoke detectors fitted. I check them on 6 monthly inspections for serviceability and then Tenant and I both sign a smoke alarm fitted proforma to state a check and test has been carried out. Good enough for insurance purposes I would have thought. Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 None of my buildings insurers specifically require smoke alarms and there is no legislation in place requiring their fitment (excluding HMO's). On that basis I'd be very surprised if an insurer were to persue action against a policy holder or refuse to pay a claim because of no smoke alarm or an inoperative one. Lets face it, probably most of your neighbours and half the residents in your road don't have smoke detectors or CO alarms. Its a similar nonsense that requires landlords to have a gas safety certificae but allows your private neighbours to go many years without having their systems checked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carryon Regardless Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 A First, RL agrees that some housing legislation is nonsense. You read it here first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richlist Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 Not so I'm afraid.....I made a mistake by wording my post inappropriately. Oh dear........this must proove that I am human, just as I was beginning to enjoy my bad reputation. Allow me to correct the relevant section of my post: from this:- Its a similar nonsense that requires landlords to have a gas safety certificae but allows your private neighbours to go many years without having their systems checked. to this:- Its a similar nonsense that allows your private owner neighbours to choose not to get their gas appliances serviced whilst the law rightly requires landlords to have an annual gas safety check. Surely nobody would argue that mandatory annual gas safety checks are the correct way forward BUT......for everyone, not just landlords. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carryon Regardless Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 my mistake, I should've known better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest caravanj Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 Hi My tenant has been in my property for the last 11 years. We get along well and there have never been any problems. I was doing an inspection this morning and noticed the smoke detector had been removed from the ceiling. He said that it kept beeping so, after replacing the battery and it still beeping, he decided to remove it. He's happy not to have it there but am I liable now that I know about it? I imagine so, but just wanted to check. My insurance doesn't say anything about a smoke detector being compulsory. Thanks in advance. BB Safest way is to fit two wirelessly linked mains units with rechargeable lithium batteries, one downstairs & one upstairs. Totally maintenance free. Just have to perform a periodic test as recommended by the manufacturer. Also fit a mains powered CO2 detector, fire extinguisher & fire blanket. I have no connection with the firm below but their prices seem pretty reasonable & I used to supply & fit fire alarm systems. http://www.safelincs...Special-Offers/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carryon Regardless Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 We could beat future legislation measures with this little kit. If you think about it for little outlay we could help our T's to protect our investment. FIRE HOSE & HYDRANT STAND PIPE SET | eBay and for HMO Commer Fire Engine 1966, Very good condition & fully equipped | eBay and for those who think no no I say ner ner. ner ner, ner ner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest caravanj Posted September 19, 2011 Report Share Posted September 19, 2011 I haven't laughed so much for ages!! Cinderford's a bit Freudian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampa Posted September 20, 2011 Report Share Posted September 20, 2011 The fire hose could have a duel purpose. I could use it to hose down some of my tenants as some havent found the bathroom yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firera Posted January 10, 2012 Report Share Posted January 10, 2012 Fire Risk Assessments Limited specialise in helping businesses of all kinds and in all types of premises to ensure you are meeting the current legislation. Our unique blend of experience is tailored to provide an 'integrated total fire safety management service' in accordance with the regulations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.<br style=color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 252); "><br style="color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 252); ">The Order states that the Responsible Person' (which if you are reading this, presume that is you) has to undertake aFire Risk Assessment, and if your organisation employs five or more people, you have to record the findings of your fire risk assessment. A Responsible Person is defined by the legislation as nearly always being the employer, where there is one, though it can include other individuals too. If you share a building with other organisations, the responsibility may be shared among several people. If you have responsibility for the other people in your organisation, it is safe to assume you will be the Responsible Person, even if others are too Over 70% of businesses involved in major fires either don't reopen or fail within three years. A fire is clearly a very difficult thing to recover from and something your business will definitely be a lot healthier without. We all have to carry out a Fire Risk Assessmentbecause of the law, but it is actually just giving a structure to what we should all be doing anyway in the best interests of our businesses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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