fire alarms in flats

[royboy1]

Hi
Got a question about fire alarms.
I have a flat on lease hold rented out. The flat has a hard wired fire alarm system, with two sensors in my flat and the other 5 flats have the same. With a control box in the hall way, with a sensor on each floor of the communal area, now I understand safety is paramount, but I need to understand what is required of me as the landlord of my flat, the communal area is controlled by the building landlord, this is an old Victorian building converted into flats back in the 80s

At the start of the last tenancy I had an independent alarm company test the sensors in my flat. The company said I need to do this every 6 months now, regardless of the communal areas of the building being tested, due to reg BS5839, is this true ? I must admit I think the building owner is not doing the tests every month or weekly.
I have looked at my lease and it only states service charge to cover the fire alarm system in communal area. So I take it the sensors and testing inside my flat is down to me. Are there any special rules because it’s a hard wired system and a block of flats ?

if I had 2 fire angle ( 7-10 years life span )sealed battery operated tamper proof alarms fitted in my flat, would I be able to ignore the hard wired system in my flat, as far as my tenancy is concerned. And just have my letting agent test them when they do the monthly check of the flat. ?

all a bit confusing over what is needed by law and what is recommended practice.
Thanks royboy1

[darkstar]

It sounds like you have a heat detector inside your flat linked to the communal fire alarm install. This is normal and the you are generally required to have you own mains detector/s in your flat wired to your electric supply. If you have concerns, you could ask the freeholder to view the risk assessment ( if its not on site ). There should be a log book with details of fire alarm tests, false alarms, servicing defects ect. The same with the emergency lighting.

[theartfullodger]

What does the tenancy agreement with the current tenant say about providing access to flat for testing etc? What does it say about tenant's responsibilities regarding fire alarms (in the flat or in the rest of the building) please??

[royboy1]

darkstar,

Hi thank you for your reply
still looking into it, it appears the log book is way out of date 2018 last test.

thank you
royboy1

[royboy1]

theartfullodger,

Hi thank you for your reply
Your bang on, just checked the tenancy agreement, yes its there,
i need to test fire alarm in room at start of tenancy , that i have done, but the tenant is responsible for checking the alarms during the tenancy, but if there are any sensors broken, looks like its down to me.
see below wording below

( If tenants find that their alarm(s) are not in working order during the tenancy, they are advised to arrange the replacement of the batteries or the alarm itself with the relevant landlord.)

There is no issue with gaining entrance to the premises,, a minimum of 24 hours notice, but in an emergency can just enter.
cant find anything about the communal areas. in the tenancy agreement.

thank you
royboy1