Hi All

I have a question for which I am nearly sure of but here goes.

What is the recommended frequency of mains wired smoke detection in communal areas of residential blocks (without alarm panel etc etc) I am sure that they are also recommended to have some sort of maintenance program  i.e visual checks, pushing the test button, but is there a requirement to actually annually check them?

??

Yes there is Article 17 Maintenance of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, check out https://www.firesafe.org.uk/fire-alarms/  you will find testing and maintenance detailed in there.

The linked page only covers commercial fire alarms - you appear to have Grade D residential smoke alarms installed (Which aren't required in the first place, if communal warning was needed a commercial system would be used) for which the only test regime (BS5839-6) is weekly testing using the test button and periodic cleaning of the detectors as per manufacturer's instructions (usually 6 monthly)