A question often raised by private tenants, and indeed landlords, is which one is responsible to ensure the alarms in the property, e.g. the smoke, CO2 and heat alarms, are tested and working.
Understandably many tenants feel it's the responsibility of the landlord given they're the one who installed them. Landlords meanwhile will sometimes tell the tenants they are responsible. So who is right?
The answer is that once a tenancy starts, the tenant becomes responsible for their own own safety and should regularly test the alarms, at the very least once a month by doing a push button test.
It is true that before a tenancy starts, the landlord, provided they are following the guidelines, would have done a push button test on the alarms in the property. Should the landlord have organised an inventory, such as one provided by our inventory clerk services on the Isle of Wight, this will be recorded and clearly stated.
But what then happens if an alarm doesn't work or needs changing or replacing? Who needs to do that?
The simple answer is that as soon as a landlord is informed an alarm is not working, they then become responsible to repair or replace the equipment.
Updated Regulations
From 1 October, there are also changes to the law governing alarm in rental properties, in particular CO2 alarms.
From that date, a CO2 alarm must be installed in any room used as living accommodation where the is a solid fuel burning appliance AND a fixed combustion appliance. In simple terms the latter are things like a gas boiler, a wood burning stove, a gas heater etc. It does not however include gas cookers.
CO2 alarms should be placed between 1 - 3 metres from an appliance and be free from obstructions.
You should also check the expiry date on them. Alarms come with expiry dates and for CO2 alarms these can be 7 to 10 years. They are usually written on the back or behind the cover.
Smoke alarms must be fitted on every floor in the property and should be fitted in a hallway and a landing, and always on the ceiling. Heat alarms are not an acceptable replacement for smoke alarms.
Landlords should also replace or repair faulty alarms as soon as they are informed of an issue.
The best advice always is, whether you are a tenant or a landlord, is to seek advice if you are unsure about anything, and ensure alarms are tested regularly
Alarm Check Service
Us helpful bods at Valerien also offer alarm safety checks at rental properties. For £60, we test up to three alarms at a property using the push button audible test, and also check to ensure they are working, within date and there are no battery warning beeps. We will also check to see that the property has the right alarms and is in the recommended locations or distances.
This service gives both tenants and landlords peace of mind that alarms have recently been checked by an independent inventory clerk. You will receive a full digital written report after with photos for your records. If you want more info, click here or call us on 07368838213.
We also offer PAT testing services for the Isle of Wight, legionella risk assessments and many other services for your property.