Smoke detectors in rented properties?

lr1277

Hi

I was recently ringing around for contents insurance quote and of the companies I spoke to said that it was now the law the rented properties needed to have smoke detectors.

I have done a quick search of the net and found something on the Edinburgh council website which suggested from 3/9/07, one smoke detector was needed per floor. If none existed already, or if there is one being replaced, the smoke detector needs to be mains supplied. Also it seems there seems to be some kind of repairing standard, but that is probably worth another post.

Can anyone confirm or deny this?

IveSeenTheLight

lr1277 wrote: »

Hi

I was recently ringing around for contents insurance quote and of the companies I spoke to said that it was now the law the rented properties needed to have smoke detectors.

I have done a quick search of the net and found something on the Edinburgh council website which suggested from 3/9/07, one smoke detector was needed per floor. If none existed already, or if there is one being replaced, the smoke detector needs to be mains supplied. Also it seems there seems to be some kind of repairing standard, but that is probably worth another post.

Can anyone confirm or deny this?

My understanding is that there should legally be one smoke detector per floor and that they need to be connected to the mains.

I'll try and dig out the actual legislation

sandieb

I think the mains-connected smoke detectors apply to properties built 1992 and after.

Yes, I understand there should be one smoke detector per floor.

sandieb

Smoke Detectors Act 1991

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1991/Ukpga_19910037_en_1.htm

SquatNow

Are those that plug into light-fittings classed as connected to the mains?

TJ27

If you rent a HMO then you will need smoke detectors. If it's not a HMO then you may not need them by law, but they're a good idea anyway.

Basically, if you rent a family home then you're probably not in a HMO. If you share with people who you aren't related to then you probably are in a HMO. (It's not actually quite that simple but that gives you a very rough idea.)

If you are in a HMO then the type of alarm, and the means of escape, will depend on several things. The main thing is the number of levels. If your house is three or more storeys then the requirements will be far more demanding. You will need a detector in almost every room for example.

In your position I'd probably phone the council and get some advice on exactly what's required by law. They are after all the ones who enforce it, not your insurer. The insurer's conditions might stipulate what alarm is required for them to give you cover but they are clearly in no position to advise on what the law requires!

TJ27

SquatNow wrote: »

Are those that plug into light-fittings classed as connected to the mains?

They probably wouldn't be acceptable. The requirement for 2 storey HMO's is generally that smoke alarms need to be mains operated, with a battery back up, and interlinked.