Are Landlords Responsible For Batteries In Smoke Detectors. Landlords are mandated to ensure that the rental property has a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarms fitted regardless of the date of the start of the tenancy. The governments QA booklet advises that a tenant should contact the landlord if an alarm stops working to arrange for new batteries or a replacement alarm.
After this the tenant or licensee is responsible for testing the alarms. Landlords and agents must check smoke alarms every year to ensure they are working. Test all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors at least once a month.
As a responsible electrician Id like to think that responsible landlords would go a little further.
That said landlords must ensure the following Upgrade existing smoke detectors to new 10-year sealed battery devices when there is a change in occupancy or whenever those systems reach 10 years old or malfunction. My letting agreement states that I am responsible for testing the smoke detectors and for replacing batteries but does not mention anything about repairreplacement. Typically the landlord is responsible for testing the smoke detector at the start of the tenancy in the tenants presence and demonstrating that they are in good working order. Landlords and agents must ensure.
