Fire Alarms in Blocks of Flats: What Landlords & Agents Need to Know
- Property Inventory Co.
- Sep 25
- 1 min read
Fire safety in blocks of flats can be more complex than in single rental properties. As clerks, we’re often asked where the responsibility lies — with the landlord, the freeholder, or the managing agent.
Who Is Responsible?
Individual flats: Landlords must ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working inside their flat.
Communal areas: Fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, and fire doors are usually the responsibility of the freeholder or managing agent.
Shared houses (HMOs): Landlords have additional duties, including interlinked alarms and possibly fire extinguishers, depending on licensing.
What We Record as Inventory Clerks
At The Property Inventory Company, our role focuses on the flat itself. We check:
Smoke alarms inside the property
CO alarms near boilers, fires, or gas appliances
Fire doors (where present) and whether they close properly
We don’t test communal fire systems, but if something is clearly missing or non-compliant, we’ll note it.
Why This Is Important
Fire safety in blocks depends on multiple parties working together. Our impartial reporting ensures that landlords have documented evidence of compliance inside their property, even when other responsibilities lie elsewhere.
Takeaway: In blocks of flats, landlords are still responsible for their property’s alarms. A professional inventory ensures compliance is recorded and disputes avoided.
Book your professional inventory / check in / check out report today with The Property Inventory Company.
Call 01435 508118 / 07428 821141 or email contact@propertyinventoryco.co.uk.
We cover Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Heathfield, Hailsham, Hastings, Bexhill, Crowborough, Lewes, Brighton and all areas in between across East Sussex and Kent.
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