Fire Alarm Systems in RTM Blocks: What Leaseholders Must Get Right

If you’ve taken over your building through Right to Manage (RTM), you’ve taken a major step towards controlling how your block is run.

But with that control comes responsibility — particularly when it comes to fire safety compliance.

One of the most commonly misunderstood areas we see when reviewing blocks is the fire alarm system.

The Common Assumption (And Why It’s Wrong)

Many RTM companies believe they are “covered” because:

• The system is installed
• It’s serviced once or twice a year
• There’s a certificate on file

On the surface, that feels sufficient.

In reality, it often isn’t.

Fire alarm compliance is not just about having a system — it’s about how that system is managed, tested, and recorded over time.

What a Compliant Fire Alarm Setup Should Include

To meet expected standards, your block should have:

• Weekly fire alarm testing (with recorded results)
• A properly maintained logbook
• Faults recorded and resolved promptly
• Regular servicing and certification by qualified contractors
• Alignment with your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)

If any of the above is missing, there may be a compliance gap.

Where RTM Companies Often Go Wrong

The issue is rarely the system itself.

The real problem is the lack of structure around ongoing management.

We regularly see situations where:

• No one is clearly responsible for weekly testing
• Records are incomplete or not kept at all
• Faults are noted but not followed up
• Systems are serviced, but not actively monitored
• There is no clear link between the fire alarm system and the FRA

This creates a false sense of security — everything appears in place, but the detail tells a different story.

Key Questions Every RTM Company Should Be Asking

To assess whether your building is compliant, ask:

• Who is responsible for weekly fire alarm testing?
• Where are the records and logbooks stored?
• Are faults tracked and resolved properly?
• When was the last full system inspection carried out?

If these questions don’t have clear, documented answers, it’s a sign that the system isn’t being properly managed.

The Risk: More Than Just Compliance

This isn’t just a technical issue — it’s a risk issue.

If there is an incident and the fire alarm system:

• Has not been properly maintained
• Has incomplete records
• Has unresolved faults

It can lead to:

• Liability concerns for the RTM company
• Delays or issues with insurance claims
• Financial exposure for leaseholders

In simple terms:
If it isn’t recorded, it may as well not have been done.

RTM: Control Comes With Accountability

RTM gives leaseholders the power to take control away from underperforming managing agents.

But it also means you are now responsible for ensuring the building is:

• Safe
• Compliant
• Properly managed

Fire alarm systems are a key part of that responsibility.

What Good Block Management Looks Like

A well-managed block will have:

• Clear responsibility for testing and compliance
• Consistent record-keeping and documentation
• Proactive fault management
• Systems aligned with the Fire Risk Assessment
• Full transparency for leaseholders

No assumptions. No gaps.

Final Thought

Fire alarm systems are one of those areas that are easy to overlook — until they become a problem.

Getting the basics right doesn’t require complexity.
It requires consistency, structure, and accountability.

About the Author

For context, I work in block and residential management (MNAEA, AARLA), and this is an area that’s often overlooked until it becomes a problem.

Need Advice?

If you’re part of an RTM company and unsure whether your fire alarm system is compliant, it’s worth taking a closer look.

Feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.

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