Does a rented property need a smoke detector?

The short answer is 'yes' but there are specific requirements. From the 3rd September 2007, all rented properties must meet the Repairing Standard. As part of this landlords must make sure that the property they rent out has "satisfactory provision for detecting and giving warning of fires."

What does this mean?

To meet the standard, there has to be at least one working smoke detector on each floor of a property. Its is important to note that any smoke alarms installed from the 3/9/07 must be mains wired. Existing smoke alarms can be either mains or battery powered but if broken, smoke alarms replaced after 3/9/07 must be mains wired.

HMO Properties

In the case of HMO properties the requirement for smoke alarms is much more stringent. The number and position will be determined by the size and layout of the accommodation. However, they are required to be mains-powered and on a linked circuit so that if one detects a fire, all of them sound the alarm.

Its is essential that advice is taken from the appropriate licensing authority or the fire services to ensure that you have an appropriate system and provision of alarms to meet the layout of your property.