The Cardiff Landlord Forum Committee has asked Cardiff Council to provide guidance on the installation on the maintenance and testing in private rented properties. In response, they have issued the following updated guidance for landlords with properties within Cardiff Council (please contact the relevant department directly separate guidance for properties in other local authority areas).
The licence holder shall ensure that any automatic fire detection and warning system, conforming to Grade A of BS 5839 Part 6 (incorporating a control panel) is inspected regularly to ensure that it is in full working order. The Council recommends that such a system be inspected and serviced in accordance with BS5839 Part 6 and the installers recommendations. As a minimum, the Council will require that an annual inspection and servicing certificate is retained by the licence holder. The Council strongly recommends that any servicing body is certificated under the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) Scheme (www.bafe.org.uk). Any fire alarm system conforming to Grade D of BS5839 Part 6 (a system of mains operated smoke or heat alarms with battery back up and no control panel) is regularly tested by activation of the test button and is cleaned periodically in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Records should be kept of the testing and cleaning of this type of system.
We hope that this guidance adds clarity to the matter.