Smoke alarms provide an essential early warning if a fire starts. They must remain installed, unobstructed and in working order at all times.
Tenants should test the alarms regularly and report any fault immediately. If an alarm has a simple user-replaceable battery, the tenant may be able to replace the battery by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the alarm has a sealed battery, is connected to the mains electricity, forms part of an interlinked fire-alarm system, or still does not work after a suitable battery has been fitted, please open an urgent maintenance task.
Important Fire Safety Notice
- Never remove, cover, tape over, disconnect or disable an alarm.
- Never remove a battery simply to stop an alarm from beeping.
- Do not paint an alarm or spray cleaning products near it.
- Do not remove the alarm base or touch electrical wiring.
- Use a stable stepladder and do not stand on chairs or unstable furniture.
- If the alarm sounds continuously and you suspect a fire, leave the property immediately and call 999.
- Do not delay reporting a non-working alarm because of concern about a possible contractor charge.
Video Guide
The video below shows a general example of how to access and replace a battery in a compatible smoke alarm. Alarm designs vary, so please follow the instructions printed on your alarm or in its manufacturer’s manual.
Test Every Alarm Regularly
Test each smoke and heat alarm at least once a month, or more frequently if required by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Tell other occupants that you are about to test the alarm.
- Stand securely underneath the alarm using a stable stepladder if required.
- Press and hold the test button.
- The alarm should produce a loud warning sound.
- If the alarms are interlinked, the other alarms may also sound.
- Release the button once the test has completed.
If no sound is produced, the sound is unusually weak, or another linked alarm does not respond, please follow the checks below and report the issue if it is not immediately resolved.
Why Is the Smoke Alarm Beeping?
A short repeated chirp may indicate:
- A low battery
- A battery that has been fitted incorrectly
- The alarm has reached the end of its service life
- A fault in a sealed or mains-powered alarm
- Dust or contamination around the alarm openings
- A fault affecting an interlinked alarm system
Do not assume every beep means that the battery can be replaced. Check the alarm type before attempting anything.
Identify the Alarm Type
Alarm with a replaceable battery
These alarms normally have an accessible battery compartment and use a standard replaceable battery. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the exact battery type specified.
Sealed-battery alarm
Many modern alarms contain a long-life battery sealed inside the unit. The battery cannot be replaced separately.
If a sealed alarm is beeping or does not pass the test, do not open it. Report it so the complete alarm can be inspected or replaced.
Hard-wired or mains-powered alarm
A mains-powered alarm may also contain a backup battery. Do not remove the alarm base, disconnect any plug or touch wiring.
Only replace an accessible backup battery if the alarm is specifically designed for tenant battery replacement and you can do so without removing any electrical cover.
Interlinked or communal fire-alarm system
Some shared properties have interconnected alarms, heat detectors, sounders or a central fire-alarm panel. Do not dismantle, isolate or reset this equipment unless you have been given specific instructions.
Report any fault light, repeated beeping, damaged detector or non-working alarm immediately.
How to Replace a User-Replaceable Battery
1. Check the alarm instructions
Check the alarm label, make and model. Confirm that the battery is designed to be replaced by the occupant.
Search the exact make and model online if the instructions are not available at the property.
2. Obtain the correct battery
Use only the battery type specified by the manufacturer. Do not substitute a different voltage, size or battery chemistry.
3. Open only the battery compartment
Open the battery drawer or compartment according to the instructions. Do not remove the alarm’s mounting plate or electrical connection.
4. Remove the old battery
Note the correct positive and negative orientation before removing the old battery.
5. Fit the new battery
Insert the replacement battery in the correct direction and close the compartment fully.
6. Test the alarm immediately
Press and hold the test button. The alarm should sound loudly.
If it does not sound, continues chirping or shows a fault indication, open a maintenance task immediately.
Basic External Cleaning
Dust can collect around the outside openings of an alarm. Where safely accessible, gently remove visible dust from the exterior using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment.
Do not:
- Use water or liquid cleaner
- Spray the alarm
- Insert objects into the openings
- Open the alarm casing
- Paint over the alarm
When to Report the Alarm Immediately
Please open an urgent maintenance task if:
- The alarm does not sound when tested
- The alarm continues chirping after a correct new battery has been fitted
- The alarm has a sealed battery
- The alarm is hard-wired and cannot be safely accessed
- The alarm is damaged, loose or missing
- The alarm has been painted, covered or tampered with
- A fault or warning light is visible
- An interlinked alarm does not sound during a test
- The alarm is beyond its replacement date or expiry date
- You are unable to reach or test it safely
- You are unsure whether it is a smoke alarm, heat alarm or carbon monoxide alarm
Photos and Information Required
When opening the maintenance task, please provide:
- A clear photo of the complete alarm in position
- A close-up photo showing the alarm make and model
- A photo of any date, replacement date or warning label
- A short video showing the beep or fault, where possible
- Confirmation of whether the test button produces a sound
- Confirmation of whether other linked alarms sound
- Confirmation of whether the alarm is battery-powered, sealed or hard-wired
- The type of replacement battery used, if one was fitted
- Confirmation that the alarm was tested after battery replacement
- Details of when the issue first started
Providing this information helps us arrange the correct replacement alarm, electrician or fire-alarm contractor without unnecessary delays.
Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
The landlord is responsible for ensuring the required alarms are installed and working at the start of the tenancy. The landlord must also arrange the repair or replacement of an alarm that is reported and found to be faulty.
During the tenancy, tenants should:
- Test alarms regularly
- Replace a simple user-replaceable battery where they are able to do so safely
- Report any alarm that remains faulty
- Never remove, cover, damage or disable an alarm
Possible Contractor Charges
Fire safety issues should always be reported promptly. A contractor charge will not normally arise where an alarm has developed a genuine fault or requires replacement.
A cost may be considered where an alarm or battery has been deliberately removed, damaged, covered or disabled by a tenant or their guest.
Where the alarm has a basic replaceable battery, tenants may be asked to attempt a safe battery replacement before a contractor is arranged. If they are unable to do so, they should report this rather than leaving the alarm inoperative.
