Rental CO alarm check in Exeter
Professional rental co alarm check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30 mins - 1 hr
Location
Exeter, Devon
CO detectors and smoke alarms tested properly at your rental. Legal requirements met, batteries replaced if needed, everything working and compliant.
Don't Risk Non-Compliance (or Worse)
Carbon monoxide detectors are legally required in any rental property with gas or solid fuel appliances. Not having one, or having one that doesn't work, means:
- You're breaking the law (£5,000+ fine possible)
- Your insurance might not pay out if something happens
- You're risking tenant safety (and that's on you)
I test CO and smoke alarms for landlords all over Exeter. Quick visit, test everything, replace batteries, flag anything that needs replacing. You've got written confirmation they're compliant.
💡 Pro tip: Get alarms checked before every new tenancy starts. Legal requirement anyway, and gives you evidence they were working when the tenant moved in.
Tested Properly vs Just Pressing The Button
Anyone can press the test button. That doesn't prove it actually detects carbon monoxide.
| ✅ Proper Check | ❌ Quick Button Press |
|---|---|
| Check expiry date (they do expire) | Assume it's fine because it beeps |
| Verify correct positioning | Don't check if it's in the right spot |
| Test battery properly, replace if weak | Press button, assume it's okay |
| Check for multiple detectors where needed | Miss required locations |
| Written confirmation provided | No record it was done |
What You Get
🔧 The Alarm Check
| What I Check | Details |
|---|---|
| CO detectors | Test, check expiry date, verify position is correct |
| Smoke alarms | Test all detectors, check batteries, flag old units |
| Coverage | Confirm you've got detectors where legally required |
| Batteries | Replace if weak or dead (included in price for standard 9V) |
| Report | Written note of what was tested and any replacements needed |
📦 You're Left With
- All alarms tested and working
- Legal requirements met
- Written confirmation for your records
- Peace of mind your tenants are protected
Pricing Guide
| Service | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard property (2-3 detectors) | 30 mins | £60 |
| Large house or HMO (multiple detectors) | 1 hr | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum. Battery replacements for standard 9V included. New detectors not included (£15-25 each if needed).
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ New tenancy starting - legal requirement
✅ Between tenancies - check everything before next tenant
✅ Annual maintenance - keep compliant year-round
✅ HMO licensing - stricter requirements, more alarms
Why Choose Us for Rental CO alarm check in Exeter?
All detectors tested and working
Legal requirements met
Batteries replaced if needed
Written confirmation provided
What to Expect
Step 1: Quick Assessment
I'll check what detectors you've got and where they are. Confirm you've got coverage in all required locations (near boiler, near any gas fires, smoke alarms on each floor).
Step 2: Test Everything
Press test buttons, check they beep loudly, verify expiry dates, check positioning is correct. Replace batteries if needed (weak beeps or chirping means battery's going).
Step 3: Report & Recommendations
I'll note what was tested, what's working, what batteries were replaced, and flag any detectors that need replacing soon. You've got written proof everything was checked.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to maintain your rental's alarms yourself? Here's how:
🔧 CO detector basics
- Required in any room with gas or solid fuel appliance
- Position 1-3 meters away from appliance (check manufacturer's guide)
- At head height, not on floor or ceiling
- Must be audible from bedrooms when doors closed
- Replace every 7-10 years (check date on back)
📐 Smoke alarm requirements
- At least one on every floor
- Kitchen and hallways are common locations
- Bedrooms if it's an HMO (one per room)
- Test monthly (most tenants don't bother)
- Replace every 10 years
⚠️ Common landlord mistakes
- Forgetting to check expiry dates
- Not testing between tenancies
- Assuming tenants test them (they usually don't)
- CO detector too far from appliance
- Missing detectors in required rooms
💡 Pro trick: Buy a few spare detectors and keep them in stock. When one expires or fails between tenancies, you can swap it immediately rather than delaying the re-let while you source a new one. £20 spent now saves you £200 in lost rent.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ HMOs have stricter rules - you need more detectors, often interconnected ones. I'll advise if your property needs upgrading to meet HMO standards.
Multiple properties? I can check several rentals in one round - especially useful if you've got a batch of tenancies starting around the same time.
Keep records - I provide written notes of what was tested. File these with your tenancy paperwork as proof of compliance. Useful if there's ever a dispute or inspection.
Exeter's rental market moves fast - don't let alarm compliance hold up a new tenancy. I can usually fit these in same or next day to keep your schedule on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the legal requirement for CO detectors in rentals?
You must have a working CO detector in any room with a gas appliance, or a solid fuel burning appliance. That's usually the room with the boiler, and if you've got a gas fire. The detector must be tested and working at the start of every new tenancy. I test them, replace batteries if needed, and confirm they're compliant.
Do CO detectors expire?
Yes - most last 7-10 years then they need replacing entirely. There's a date on the back showing when it was made. If it's expired or getting close, I'll flag it. Better to replace early than have a non-working detector when the council inspector checks.
Can you check smoke alarms at the same time?
Absolutely - most landlords have me check both in one visit. Smoke alarms are required on every floor, CO detectors near gas/solid fuel appliances. I'll test everything, replace batteries, flag any that need replacing. Gets your full alarm compliance sorted in one go.
How often should CO detectors be checked?
Legally they must work at the start of each tenancy. Best practice is test them every 6-12 months. Button on the front - should beep loudly. I test them properly, check the expiry date, make sure they're positioned correctly (not too close or too far from the appliance).
What if a detector fails the test?
I'll replace it on the spot if you want (detectors are £15-25 depending on model). Or I can flag it and you can source one yourself. Either way, I'll note what needs replacing and make sure you're not left non-compliant.
Rental CO alarm check Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your rental co alarm check job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Rental CO alarm check in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your rental co alarm check job in Exeter today.