Is there an obligation for landlords to fit smoke alarms in tenanted property?
• If the property built was since June 1992 it must be fitted with mains powered smoke detector alarms on each floor level. As yet there is no legislation requiring smoke alarms to be fitted in older tenanted properties, but it is considered that common law ‘duty of care’ means that Landlords and their Agents could be liable should a fire cause injury or damage in a tenanted property where smoke alarms are not fitted. It is therefore strongly recommend that the Landlords fit smoke alarms – at least one alarm on each floor and preferably in the hall and landing areas. Where battery operated alarms are fitted batteries must be replaced and the alarm tested regularly and landlords should ensure that the onus for doing this is placed firmly on the tenant. Ideally, a warning letter should be given and the agreement should mention this. HMOs have special fire regulation requirements and you should consult your local authority building control section should you have queries about fire precau
