How often do fire alarms need servicing?
Updated 29 September 2026
Commercial fire alarm systems should be inspected and serviced at least every six months. Alarms in HMOs follow the same rule if they are the larger Grade A type. Simpler interlinked smoke-alarm systems (Grade D) are usually serviced once a year.
Commercial premises: BS 5839-1
Most fire alarm systems in shops, offices, pubs, schools, care homes and the common parts of flats are designed and maintained to BS 5839-1. The Fire Industry Association summarises its servicing rule: the period between successive inspection and servicing visits should not exceed six months (FIA). Many firms split this into two visits a year under an annual contract.
Between visits, the responsible person (or someone they appoint) should test the system regularly, typically weekly, from a different call point each time, and keep a logbook.
HMOs and rented homes: BS 5839-6
Alarm systems in homes, including most HMOs, are graded under BS 5839-6:
- Grade A is a full panel-based system. Council HMO guidance expects it to be serviced every six months by a competent engineer under a maintenance contract.
- Grade D is mains-powered interlinked smoke and heat alarms with battery back-up. It is usually checked and serviced annually.
Source: Oxford City Council HMO fire alarm guidance. Your own council’s licence conditions may set specific requirements, so check your HMO licence.
What a maintenance contract costs
| System | Typical annual contract (two visits) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Small conventional system | £200–£400 | Fire Alarm Answers |
| Medium system | £400–£900 | Quartz Empire |
Call-outs for faults and false alarms are usually charged on top, so check whether the contract includes any.
Who should service it
Choose a firm that is competent to maintain your type of system. Third-party certification is the easiest way to check. BAFE SP203-1 certifies fire alarm companies module by module (design, installation, commissioning, maintenance). A company registered only for installation is not certified for maintenance, so check the maintenance module specifically on the BAFE register. NSI Gold and Silver and LPCB LPS 1014 are other recognised schemes.
Find a servicing firm
Our town pages list fire alarm servicing companies and show which state BAFE or NSI certification: Somerset & Wiltshire · North & East Yorkshire.
Find a firm near you: Wincanton · Devizes · Tadcaster · all towns