Landlord, Domestic and HMO Fire Alarm Systems

Domestic fire alarms are covered by BS 5839-6, which uses grades (how the system is built and powered) and categories (where the detectors go). A typical rented house needs at least a Grade D2 LD3 system, while larger HMOs often need Grade A with a control panel.

The legal minimum varies across the UK. Scotland requires interlinked smoke and heat alarms in every home. Wales requires mains-powered interlinked smoke alarms on every storey of a rented home. England sets minimum alarm rules for rented homes, and local councils set HMO standards on top. We design to whichever rules apply to your property and your local authority's HMO licence conditions.

We fit mains-powered alarms with sealed lithium backup, interlinked by wire or radio, and leave you a certificate to show your tenants and the council.

What is included

BS 5839-6 grade and category design
Mains-powered smoke and heat alarms with battery backup
Radio interlinking for minimal disruption
Carbon monoxide alarms near fixed combustion appliances
Grade A panel systems for larger HMOs
Certificates for licensing and tenancy files

Who it is for

Private landlords
HMO landlords
Letting agents
Homeowners
Short-term let hosts
Social housing providers

The rules in each UK nation

England

Rented homes in England must have a smoke alarm on each storey used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, other than a gas cooker. HMO licence conditions set by the local council often go further and call for a mains-wired, interlinked system to BS 5839-6.

Wales

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 and its fitness for human habitation regulations, landlords must fit a working, mains-powered smoke alarm on each storey of a rented home, interlinked with each other, and a carbon monoxide alarm where there is a combustion appliance.

Scotland

Since February 2022, every home in Scotland must have interlinked fire alarms: a smoke alarm in the living room, a smoke alarm in every circulation space such as hallways and landings, and a heat alarm in the kitchen, plus a carbon monoxide alarm where there is a fixed combustion appliance or flue.

Northern Ireland

Private tenancies in Northern Ireland must meet the fitness standards set by the Department for Communities, including working smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. HMOs are licensed by councils under the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, which sets fire detection standards as licence conditions.

How a job runs

Tell us about the building

Use the form or send us your fire risk assessment action plan. A few details on height, use and current systems are enough to start.

Survey or desktop review

Where we need to see the building, we visit. For some jobs, such as EWS1 scoping, we start with the documents you already hold.

Fixed quote

You get a written, fixed price with a clear scope. Nothing chargeable happens without your approval.

Work and certification

Our engineers carry out the work and leave the right certificates, photographs and logbook entries.

Records and reminders

Reports are filed by building and we remind you before the next test, inspection or review is due.

Questions we are often asked

What fire alarm does an HMO need?

It depends on the size and layout. Small two-storey HMOs often need Grade D1 LD2 with mains-wired, interlinked alarms. Larger HMOs, especially over three storeys, commonly need a Grade A system with a panel. Your local council's licence conditions take priority.

Do battery smoke alarms meet the rules?

In England, the basic legal minimum for some rented homes can be met with battery alarms, but most councils and BS 5839-6 expect mains-powered interlinked alarms. In Scotland, sealed long-life battery alarms are acceptable for owner-occupiers, but mains-wired is usual for landlords. In Wales, rented homes need mains-powered alarms.

Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?

In England, rented homes need a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers. Scotland and Wales have similar requirements. We fit them alongside the fire alarm.