This mailshot has caused concern to some letting agents that there may be new legislation regarding mandatory installation of smoke alarms in residential properties that are rented out. British Standards no 5839 Pt6 provides a code of practice for the design and installation of fire detection and alarm systems in residential properties but installation per se is not a mandatory requirement for residential property let or otherwise.

The 1991 Smoke Detectors Act, requires that all new houses that have been built since 1992 must, by law, have a smoke detector installed. The minimum requirement being one smoke alarm on each level of the building. This is not a piece of legislation aimed specifically at residential letting property, but aimed at all new buildings.

If an agent installs smoke alarms into properties that he manages or they already exist, care must be taken in ensuring that it is clear from the letting agreement who is responsible for the maintenance of the detectors including testing and battery replacement. Silence on this matter could mean that the landlord or agent is responsible, and in the case of a fire could be held liable for being negligent in their duties. There are different rules covering Houses in Multiple Occupation with regard to the installation of smoke detectors and other fire prevention measures.