Who is responsible?

anotherpaul_2

devils_vixen wrote: »

Never once said I wont pay for one just asked who was responsible for this before I got my keys?

I believe, technically, there is no requirement for it, so it doesn't have to work.

You're responsibility is to leave the property in at least as good a state as you found it. If you really feel strongly about it, fit a battery soon and just take it out again when you move out.

I'm afraid it's pretty irrelevant whos responsibility it is - the landlord isn't going to pay for someone to come and change the battery. If you want to push the point, send a threatening letter and see how quickly your section 21 notice to quit arrives. I'm sorry, but it's such an irrelevance that it's not a fight worth having. Is it worth finding a new property for? Get off your high horse and deal with it.

If you change the battery and find it doesn't work, then that's a different matter, though I suspect you'll still have trouble getting them to fix it.

lynzpower

Smoke alarms cost 4.89 in argos. they may be available in other places cheaper ( eg screwfix)

As its not a HMO Paul is right actually, i dont think they have to by law fit one anyhow.

poppysarah

Does insurance ask if you have one?

tbs624

If the property was an HMO or was built after 1992 then it should have a hard wired smoke alarm system. It used to be that, other than that, there was no legal reuqirment but the HHSRS (Housing Health & Safety Rating System) highlights the importance of the provision of smoke alarms as a preventative measure for all tenanted properties.

Most LLs would want to afford a measure of protection to both the tenant & their property by providing a suitable smoke alarm in working order: some LL insurance policies will specify that they should be provided.

Strictly speaking if the LL provided it then he should make sure that it works - it is usual for any provided alarm to be tested when you view/move in ( & noted on the inventory) and for there to be written notification that the T should test it from time to time and is reponsible for changing the battery, as & when.

However, bearing in mind that battery operated ones have a 45% failure rate, according to the HHSRS blurb, I'd change the battery and then if it still doesn't work just go and get a replacement one but notify the LL in writing that you have done so, so that when you move you can take yours with you. As the majority of the others have indicated, there are straightforward ways of resolving this in far less time than it takes for you to sit pondering on it all.


Just wondered whether this was the only issue you have with your rented property or whether it's the tip of the iceberg?