Smoke alarm checks for rentals in Exeter
Professional smoke alarm checks for rentals services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
All smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested, batteries replaced, legal compliance documented. Quick service to meet your landlord obligations.
The Legal Bit Nobody Thinks About
Everyone knows rentals need smoke alarms. But do they actually work? Have they been tested this tenancy? Can you prove it?
💡 Pro tip: The law says alarms must work at the start of each tenancy and you must check them. "I'm sure they're fine" doesn't count. You need documentation.
What You're Required To Have
| ✅ Legal Requirement | ❌ Non-Compliant |
|---|---|
| Alarm on every floor | Only one upstairs |
| Tested at tenancy start | "Probably working" |
| CO alarm with solid fuel | No CO alarm |
| Documented check | No record |
| Working batteries | Dead batteries |
Penalty for non-compliance: Up to £5000 fine. Not worth the risk.
What Gets Checked
🔔 The Testing
| Item | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Every smoke alarm | Test button pressed, listens for proper alarm |
| Every CO alarm | Tested, checked not expired |
| Batteries | Replaced if dead or weak |
| Positioning | Checked they're correctly located |
| Age | Confirmed alarms are under 10 years old |
📦 You Get
- All alarms tested and working
- Batteries replaced as needed
- Written documentation of checks
- List of any alarms needing replacement
Pricing
Simple flat rate: £60
Covers testing all alarms in a property, replacing standard batteries, and providing written confirmation. Additional alarms or non-standard batteries charged at cost.
Perfect For...
✅ Tenancy starts - legal requirement to test and document
✅ Annual checks - good practice even mid-tenancy
✅ Property inspections - check while you're doing other stuff
✅ Post-works - confirm alarms still work after decorating
Why Choose Us for Smoke alarm checks for rentals in Exeter?
Legal requirements met
All alarms tested and documented
Batteries replaced if needed
Written confirmation provided
What to Expect
Step 1: Test Every Alarm
Go round the property testing each smoke alarm and CO alarm. Press test button, confirm it sounds properly, check for any issues.
Step 2: Replace Batteries
Any alarm with weak or dead batteries gets fresh ones fitted. Some alarms have 10-year sealed batteries - these get flagged if they're expired.
Step 3: Document & Confirm
Written note of what was checked, what was replaced, and that everything's working. This is your evidence of compliance.
🔧 DIY Tips
Testing your own alarms? Here's how to do it properly:
🔋 What you'll need
- Fresh batteries (9V and AA usually)
- Step ladder
- Notepad to document checks
- Stick-on labels to write test dates
✅ The test process
- Press and hold the test button (usually for 5 seconds)
- Alarm should sound loudly
- If it's weak or doesn't sound, replace battery
- Test again with new battery
- If still no good, the alarm's dead - replace it
- Write down test date on the alarm
🔍 What to check
- Is there an alarm on every floor? (legal requirement)
- Are they positioned correctly? (ceiling in center of landing/hall)
- Are they away from bathrooms? (steam triggers false alarms)
- Do you have CO alarms where needed? (near gas boilers, solid fuel)
- Are alarms less than 10 years old? (check manufacture date on back)
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Only testing one alarm and assuming others work
- Not replacing batteries yearly
- Keeping expired alarms (they literally stop working at 10 years)
- Positioning alarms badly (corners don't work well)
- No CO alarm near the boiler
💡 Pro trick: Write the installation date on each alarm in permanent marker. Makes it obvious when they're due for replacement. Set a phone reminder for annual testing.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎯 Legal tip: Section 9 of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 - you must test alarms at start of each tenancy and keep records. This isn't optional. Do it.
10-year sealed alarms? These are good - no battery changing needed for 10 years. But when they expire, the whole unit needs replacing. Check the manufacture date on the back.
Interconnected alarms? Newer properties often have wired interconnected alarms - when one goes off, they all go off. Still need testing individually. Radio-linked ones need batteries checking in each unit.
HMO properties in Exeter? Different rules apply - you need proper fire safety equipment, possibly emergency lighting, fire blankets etc. That's beyond just smoke alarms - happy to advise but you might need a fire risk assessment.
Student properties? Test in September before they move in, and January mid-year. Students aren't known for testing alarms themselves. Keep them alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements for smoke alarms in rentals?
You need working smoke alarms on every floor. Plus carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances. They must be tested at the start of each tenancy. It's not optional - it's law, and you can be fined £5000 for non-compliance.
What does a smoke alarm check involve?
Test every smoke and CO alarm in the property, replace batteries if needed, check they're positioned correctly, confirm they're in date (alarms expire after 10 years), document everything. You get written confirmation it's been done.
Do you provide batteries or do I?
I carry standard 9V batteries and AA batteries in the van. If your alarms need something unusual I'll fit whatever you provide, or pick some up from the local shop and add them to the invoice.
Can this be done between tenancies?
That's exactly when it should be done - after the old tenant's out, before the new one moves in. Means you can honestly tell new tenants all alarms are working. Plus it's a legal requirement for start of tenancy.
What if an alarm is faulty or expired?
I'll flag it immediately. Smoke alarms last about 10 years - if yours is older it needs replacing regardless of whether it seems to work. I can supply and fit new ones if you want, or you can source your own.
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