Owning or managing a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) comes with a unique set of responsibilities, not least of which is fire safety. For landlords across Eastbourne and East Sussex, ensuring your fire alarm system is not only present but effective, compliant, and reliable is a legal and moral duty.

At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, we’ve worked with countless HMO property owners who thought their systems were fine—until they weren’t. In this post, we’ll walk you through five clear signs that your fire alarm system might need an upgrade, using insights from our real-world experience and the services we proudly offer.

As a NICEIC-approved contractor based in Eastbourne, we provide tailored fire alarm design, installation, maintenance, and servicing to ensure HMOs and other residential properties meet current safety standards and protect tenants effectively.

Real-World Wake-Up Call: When Assumptions Nearly Cost Lives

Recently, we were contacted by the landlord of a medium-sized HMO just outside Eastbourne. The building had a basic mains-powered fire alarm system installed several years ago, but no one had checked it in ages. After a tenant reported a strange smell in the communal hallway, the landlord realised the fire alarm hadn’t triggered at all.

We conducted a full inspection and found multiple faults: expired detectors, a disconnected sounder, and no working battery backup. The system had never been serviced.

This is why understanding the signs of a system in need of upgrading is crucial—especially in HMOs where tenant safety is paramount.

1. Your Fire Alarm Hasn’t Been Professionally Serviced in Over 6 Months

If you can’t remember the last time your system was checked by a professional, it’s overdue.

Fire alarm servicing is essential to ensure all components are functioning, including:

• Smoke and heat detectors
• Control panels
• Audible sounders
• Battery backups

At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, we provide expert fire alarm servicing throughout Eastbourne. We work with landlords, letting agents, and property managers to maintain all sizes and types of fire alarm systems, ensuring compliance and tenant safety.

• Learn about our servicing options: https://electriciansineastbourne.co.uk/fire-alarm-servicing-eastbourne/
• Tip: Keep a written log of all testing and servicing. We can help you maintain these records.

2. You’re Experiencing Frequent False Alarms

False alarms aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous. Tenants may begin to ignore them, which is a major risk in a real emergency.

These are often caused by:

• Faulty or incorrectly positioned detectors
• Outdated systems
• Lack of regular maintenance
• Cheap DIY installations

At M and M Electrical Services, our fully qualified team can identify the cause of frequent false alarms and offer targeted solutions. Whether your system needs a reconfiguration, repair, or upgrade, we’re here to help.

3. Your System Doesn’t Meet Current Regulations

HMOs are subject to strict fire safety laws, and outdated systems may no longer be compliant.

We install and upgrade systems to meet:

• BS 5839-1 & BS 5839-6 standards
• LACORS Fire Safety Guidance
• The Disability Discrimination Act (2004), where required

We’re also qualified to British Fire Protection Systems Association standards and can recommend a system that fits your property, whether that’s a Grade D domestic system or a full Grade A panel-controlled installation.

• Explore our installation services: https://electriciansineastbourne.co.uk/fire-alarm-installation-eastbourne/
• Did you know? A Grade A system is typically required for HMOs with three or more floors.

4. You’ve Renovated, Reconfigured, or Expanded the Property

Changes to the layout of your HMO can have a direct impact on the effectiveness of your fire alarm system. Even minor modifications—like moving a kitchen or adding a partition—can block smoke pathways or render detectors ineffective.

Before or after any renovation, it’s vital to consult a qualified fire alarm engineer to assess whether your current system still provides adequate coverage.

At M and M Electrical Services, our engineers are fully trained to design and install systems tailored to the layout and fire risk profile of your HMO.

5. You’re Relying on a System Installed More Than 10 Years Ago

Technology advances quickly, and fire safety is no exception. A system installed over a decade ago may lack essential features such as:

• Interlinked smoke detectors
• Zonal fire detection
• Battery backup
• Remote monitoring options

If your system is ageing, it may no longer offer reliable protection—and parts could be difficult or expensive to replace. Our team can assess your existing setup and recommend a cost-effective upgrade that meets today’s safety expectations.

• Tip: Investing in a new system now can save you from costly emergency repairs later.

Why Landlords in Eastbourne Trust M and M Electrical Services Ltd

We are a locally based, honest, hard-working, and ethical business that has built a strong reputation in Eastbourne and the surrounding areas. Our customers trust us because:

• We complete all jobs to the highest standard
• We deliver on time and within budget
• We are fully NICEIC registered and insured
• Our engineers are approachable, trustworthy, and experienced
• We prioritise safety and customer satisfaction above all else

A large portion of our work comes from repeat customers and referrals, and we’re proud of that.

Don’t Wait for a Fire to Discover a Fault

Fire safety in HMOs is not optional—it’s your legal duty and a matter of protecting lives. If any of the signs we’ve outlined apply to your property, don’t wait. Let our experienced team provide a complete assessment, clear advice, and reliable servicing.

At M and M Electrical Services Ltd, we’re here to ensure your fire alarm system is not only compliant but effective.

• Book your free consultation or get a quote today:
• https://electriciansineastbourne.co.uk/contact-us/