Hard wired or RF connected fire alarm system

[DerekS]

Hi,

I have an interest in a semi-detached house that has been converted to four self-contained flats pre 1991. Three of the flats share an entrance into a communal hallway and the fourth flat has their own separate entrance. All four flats are rented out on Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements. Currently each flat has it's own smoke alarm and there are two battery powered smoke alarms (one on each floor) in the communal entrance/hallway. Unfortunately there is no landlord electric supply and in fact the two ceiling mounted lights located in the communal area are powered from one of the flats. My question is - we want to install an interlinked fire alarm system with two smoke alarms in the communal area interlinked to a heat alarm fitted in each of the three flats that share the communal entrance. As there is no communal electric supply would we be contravening HMO Regs by fitting a battery powered RF linked fire alarm system or do we need to arrange for a landlord's electric supply to be installed and fit a hard wired interlinked system?

Appreciate your view on the matter

[Tom Sutton]

If the premises is self-contained flats then they are not an HMO but if you would like more information check out A house in multiple occupation (HMO) is a property rented out by at least 3 people who are not from 1 ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.

However you are subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the guidance would be HOUSING – FIRE SAFETY Guidance on fire safety provisions for certain types of existing housing.

The guidance will require installing a grade D smoke alarm which is a system of one or more mains-powered smoke alarms, each with an integral standby supply. So in my opinion this would mean you should arrange for a landlord's electric supply to be installed and comply with the guidance. Installing an interlinked fire alarm system with two smoke alarms in the communal area interlinked to a heat alarm fitted in each of the three flats that share the communal entrance using your own supply could be acceptable.