Smoke Detector

[susie-sue]

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

[Carryon Regardless]

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.

[Richlist]

Mains operated smoke alarms have been part of the building regulations for new builds since the early 1990's.

[weenie]

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.

[Richlist]

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.

[Grampa]

Richlist I need to employ you when can you start?

[Melboy]

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.

[Richlist]

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.

[Carryon Regardless]

A First, RL agrees that some housing legislation is nonsense.

You read it here first.

[Richlist]

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.

[Carryon Regardless]

my mistake, I should've known better

[Guest caravanj]

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/

[Carryon Regardless]

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.

[Guest caravanj]

I haven't laughed so much for ages!! Cinderford's a bit Freudian.

[Grampa]

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.

[Firera]

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