What you need to know as a Landlord about the type of smoke detection system in your rental property
British standards BS5839-6:2019 + A1:2020 covers the specific recommendations for fire alarm systems.This standard covers installation , maintenance and testing for all fire detection systems for domestic properties. This post is just going to go over the requirements for rental propeties including HMOs
Grades Types for Rented Properties
GRADE D1 : A fire system of mains powered smoke detectors each with a tamper-proof battery back up supply
The Category of the Fire System
What areas are protected : The standard states the level of protection to the occupants related to the fire risk. The amount and location of alarms installed will affect how quick a fire is detected, again this will just cover rental properties.
LD1 Protection - Detectors should be sited in :
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Landings
- Meter Cupboards
- Airing Cupboards
- Living Rooms
LD2 Protection - Detectors should be sited in :
- Hallways
- Kitchens
- Landings
- Living Rooms
If you have a rented new build or exisitng property, this information is taken from Table 1 of BS5839-6
The minimum required is a Grade D1, LD2
If you rent a HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy)
The minimum requirement is a Grade D1, LD2. A thing to note is that a smoke detector should also be installed in every habitable room (3.28 - any room in a dwelling other than a kitchen, utility room, bathroom or WC).