Alarms in rented property with shared space

[Graham K]

Hi. I'm hoping someone can provide some advice on alarms in a rented property. I've looked at past threads but can't seem to find anything that is the same issues.

I've recently bought a ground floor flat in a converted 2-storey property (I assume conversion is pre-1991). There is a small shared lobby providing access to (i) the ground floor flat front door and (ii) a door leading to the staircase for the upstairs flat (owner occupied). The ground floor flat was let as a single occupancy. I plan to let it again on an AST but there are a number of things that need addressing to bring the property up to requirements.

I'm struggling with some aspects of putting in place the required smoke/heat alarms. My understanding is that the guidance is for a mixed system with a mains, interconnected system linking both flats ands the lobby and additional unconnected alarms in the flat.

First, the lobby belongs to the flat upstairs.  I've had a brief chat with the owner and there is little appetite for adding an alarm in the lobby or for them to alter the alarms in their flat. I doubt there would also be much appetite to ensure correct testing and maintenance if a shared system was present. What can be done in this system? Any mitigations? The chance of a fire starting in the lobby is small (2 m², no flammables/furniture, no electrical appliances).

Second, the meter in my flat is pre-payment and the tenant doesn't want it changed to a contract. I've been told this would preclude fitting a mains powered alarm, or at least the installation wouldn't meet BS. Is this right?

Many thanks for any advic

[AnthonyB]

Who is the freeholder? Is it a third party or is it yourself and the other owner jointly? Whoever it is holds responsibility in law for the common internal and external areas and is required to complete a Fire Risk Assessment under the Fire Safety Order which would determine if a linked alarm is required - potentially with sufficient fire resistance between the properties you might not require one and a small ground floor only lobby doesn't need smoke control. I was involved in a FTT case in a similar set up where excessive measures were installed and they were expected to pay towards them so took it to tribunal and with my help won so I am familiar with the scenario