Legislation Around Invalid Smoke Alarms

Jay_C

In our rented accommodation, over Xmas one of the smoke alarms started to beep, when I took it down to inspect could see it is hard linked with battery backup. The date for 10-year expiry is 2021, we moved in 2023 meaning it has been expired before us moving in. 

I wanted to go back to the agent on this but thought I would ask here if there is any law around smoke alarms being out of date? I believe the onus will fall with the landlord regardless of it being fully managed. 

njkmr

its probably only the battery that needs replacing to stop the beeps ,but i would certainly mention it to letting agent so it can be replaced (the whole unit) if thats needed.

elsien

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-explanatory-booklet-for-landlords/the-smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarm-england-regulations-2015-qa-booklet-for-the-private-rented-sector-landlords-and-tenants#:~:text=Landlords%20will%20be%20responsible%20for,the%20replacement%20of%20the%20batteries.

if it’s been working up until now, and then as long as it gets sorted promptly, what is the issue?

cr1mson

Sounds like the back up battery of it if you are saying it is hard wired so whilst not ideal it would still work and the beeping has alerted you to fact that it needs replacing.

Here is link explaining responsibilties

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

which suggests they only need to ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced once informed and found that they are faulty.

pete-20-11

njkmr said:

its probably only the battery that needs replacing to stop the beeps ,but i would certainly mention it to letting agent so it can be replaced (the whole unit) if thats needed.

The sensor, that detects the smoke, has a circa 10 year lifespan before it needs replacing - as it will be less effective at detecting a fire.

so if the sticker says it needs replacing and/or it’s been there for more than ten years, replace it. 

FreeBear

pete-20-11 said: so if the sticker says it needs replacing and/or it’s been there for more than ten years, replace it. 

As long as the label has been filled out correctly..

35har1old

pete-20-11 said:

njkmr said:

its probably only the battery that needs replacing to stop the beeps ,but i would certainly mention it to letting agent so it can be replaced (the whole unit) if thats needed.

The sensor, that detects the smoke, has a circa 10 year lifespan before it needs replacing - as it will be less effective at detecting a fire.

so if the sticker says it needs replacing and/or it’s been there for more than ten years, replace it. 

If back up battery is beeping it would suggest that it's has been activated due to possible fault in the hard wire connection
Have you carried out a test recently to see if the alarm activates 

ProDave

Just go to the agent or the landlord and point out needs replacing.  I very much doubt they will refuse.  Even if in date, the backup battery does not last forever and will chirp when it is getting low, and cold weather often triggers it over night when it is low.

The newer versions now have a rechargeable lithium battery so should not bother you with chirping.

youth_leader

I bought this bungalow in 2021 and tried to replace the halogen spotlights with LED's, they wouldn't work so I called my electrician. He changed the transformers in the spotlights and told me the smoke alarm and heat detector were out of date.  I had both of them replaced.  

35har1old

ProDave said:

Just go to the agent or the landlord and point out needs replacing.  I very much doubt they will refuse.  Even if in date, the backup battery does not last forever and will chirp when it is getting low, and cold weather often triggers it over night when it is low.

The newer versions now have a rechargeable lithium battery so should not bother you with chirping.

May not be  hard wire compatible which may be required for rental premises.Plus landlord not likely to want to pay nearly 3 times the price

BobT36

FreeBear said:

pete-20-11 said: so if the sticker says it needs replacing and/or it’s been there for more than ten years, replace it. 

As long as the label has been filled out correctly..

LOL, wow.