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Social Housing Provider - fire detection?

alanblaby
I've been searching for the requirements for a Social Housing provider for smoke/fire detection, but am struggling to find any facts.

It appears that Social Housing providers are not subject to the same rules/Laws/guidelines as the Private Rented Market.


Aico publish their own interpretation of BS 5839, which states that rental properties now require smoke detection in each escape route/kitchen and 'main' living room.

But, does this apply to Social Housing?

And, if not, how do Social Housing providers get an exemption from the current requirements?

Any links to current requirements would be very welcome, there are lots out there that are 3 or more years old, and dont take into account the 2020 updates to BS5839.
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    Social housing providers do not have to install smoke alarms and from experience I can confirm some do not install smoke alarms.


    Housing Association homes are considered to be less of a fire risk than private rentals, as the HA are better property managers and have maintenance regimes in place. Private landlords have to provide smoke alarms because they and their letting agents are generally fail to maintain the properties to a good standard and again from experience I can state that less than half of privately rented homes in England have smoke alarms that are fit for purpose.


    If there is a fire the fire investigator can only confirm that there was an alarm installed, after it has burnt they cannot determine if it actually worked and was fit for purpose.


    Andy B.
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    Social housing providers do not have to install smoke alarms and from experience I can confirm some do not install smoke alarms.


    Housing Association homes are considered to be less of a fire risk than private rentals, as the HA are better property managers and have maintenance regimes in place. Private landlords have to provide smoke alarms because they and their letting agents are generally fail to maintain the properties to a good standard and again from experience I can state that less than half of privately rented homes in England have smoke alarms that are fit for purpose.


    If there is a fire the fire investigator can only confirm that there was an alarm installed, after it has burnt they cannot determine if it actually worked and was fit for purpose.


    Andy B.
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