Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation & Testing
Professional alarm services to protect tenants and ensure legal compliance for landlords across Edinburgh
Alarm Installation & Testing Service
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential safety devices that save lives by providing early warning of fire or carbon monoxide leaks. For landlords, ensuring these alarms are correctly installed and functioning is not just a matter of tenant safety but also a legal requirement.
At TotalTenantCare, we provide comprehensive smoke and carbon monoxide alarm services for landlords across all Edinburgh districts. We help you meet your legal obligations while ensuring your tenants are protected from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
What's Included in Our Alarm Service
- Supply and installation of compliant smoke alarms
- Supply and installation of carbon monoxide detectors
- Testing of existing alarm systems
- Optimal placement advice for maximum protection
- Interconnected alarm installation for larger properties
- Documentation of installation/testing for compliance records
- Detailed safety certificate for your records
- Guidance on alarm maintenance for landlords and tenants
Legal Requirements for Landlords
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, updated 2022
As a landlord in Edinburgh, you are legally required to:
- •Install at least one smoke alarm on each story of the premises
- •Install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers)
- •Ensure all alarms are in proper working order at the start of each new tenancy
- •Repair or replace any faulty alarms as soon as you are notified of issues
Updated 2022 Regulations: As of October 2022, carbon monoxide alarms are now required in all rooms with a fixed combustion appliance (including water heaters, but excluding gas cookers). This is a significant update from the previous requirements.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in:
- •Fines of up to £5,000 per violation
- •Enforcement notices from local authorities
- •Difficulty in obtaining possession through Section 21 notices
- •Potential liability in case of fire or carbon monoxide incidents
- •Invalidation of insurance policies
Beyond legal penalties, the most important consideration is tenant safety. Properly installed and maintained alarms can save lives in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.
Types of Alarms We Provide
Smoke Alarms
We supply and install high-quality smoke alarms that meet all UK standards. Our range includes:
- •Optical smoke alarms - Best for detecting slow-burning, smoldering fires
- •Ionization smoke alarms - Best for detecting fast-flaming fires
- •Multi-sensor alarms - Combining technologies for comprehensive protection
- •10-year sealed battery alarms - Long-life with no battery replacement needed
- •Interconnected alarm systems - When one alarm triggers, all alarms sound
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Our carbon monoxide detectors provide reliable protection against this odorless, colorless deadly gas:
- •Digital display CO alarms - Show CO concentration levels in real-time
- •Sealed battery CO alarms - 7-10 year life with no battery replacement
- •Combined smoke and CO alarms - Space-saving option for smaller properties
- •Smart CO detectors - Can send alerts to mobile devices
- •EN 50291 certified alarms - Meeting all UK and European standards
All our alarms comply with British Standards and come with manufacturer warranties. We only install high-quality, reliable products that you can trust to protect your tenants and property.
Our Alarm Installation & Testing Process
Assessment & Planning
We assess your property layout and heating systems to determine the optimal number and placement of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for maximum protection and legal compliance.
Installation
Our technicians install all required alarms in the optimal locations, ensuring they're securely mounted, properly activated, and functioning correctly. We use high-quality, compliant alarms with long-life batteries.
Testing
We thoroughly test each alarm to ensure it's working properly, checking sound levels, sensors, and battery connections. For existing alarms, we perform comprehensive functionality checks.
Documentation
We provide detailed documentation confirming installation and testing dates, alarm locations, and models installed. This certificate helps prove compliance with regulations and can be shared with tenants.
Maintenance Advice
We provide guidance on ongoing alarm maintenance, both for landlords and tenants. This includes information on testing schedules, battery replacement (where applicable), and when to arrange professional re-testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many smoke alarms do I need in my rental property?
The legal minimum is one smoke alarm on each story of the property. However, we recommend additional alarms for larger properties, particularly in hallways and near potential fire hazards. For optimal safety, smoke alarms should be installed in all circulation spaces such as hallways and landings on each floor level.
Where should carbon monoxide alarms be installed?
Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance (such as gas boilers, gas fires, solid fuel burners, or oil heaters), excluding gas cookers. For best protection, CO alarms should be placed at head height, 1-3 meters from potential sources, and in rooms where occupants spend significant time, such as bedrooms near boilers.
How often should alarms be tested?
Alarms should be tested at the start of each new tenancy to ensure compliance with regulations. We recommend monthly testing by pressing the test button to ensure continued functionality. For ongoing compliance and peace of mind, annual professional testing is advised, which we can provide as part of a regular maintenance schedule.
How much does alarm installation cost?
Our alarm installation services start from £60 for a basic installation of one smoke alarm and one carbon monoxide detector, including the cost of the alarms. For larger properties requiring multiple alarms, we offer package pricing. Exact costs depend on the number and type of alarms needed, property size, and existing setup. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific requirements.
Protect your tenants and ensure legal compliance
Our professional alarm installation and testing services cover all Edinburgh districts