Is it mandatory to have hard-wired fire/smoke alarms for a privately rented house property?

No, if it is not an HMO then battery operated will suffice. Just a note... the EICR you have had done is nothing to do with smoke detectors anyway! So what your electrician is thinking about I don’t know.

You do not need hardwired, you do however need them to be interlinked so that when one goes off they all do! This can be achieved via hardwiring or via a radio signal, if they are not hardwired then they need to contain a long life lithium battery also. Battery powered radio Interlinking detectors are pretty expensive but the cost needs to be weighed up against the cost of having an electrician install hard wired detectors then possibly a plasterer/painter to repair any holes left by the electrician while fishing cables in ceilings etc. Hope this helps. Mark

Hi there, Upon my research in Landlord's Guide to Electrical Safety, page 29 bottom there is a note: In grades D, E, and F, where more than one alarm is installed they must be interlinked. Now interlinked can be hardwired, battery supply wireless-based connected, or for less damage to the property, the hardwired and wireless base detectors can be installed (best solution). Thank you Madalin Contu

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015: Q&A booklet for the private rented sector – landlords and tenants. Read this. It will tell you more than we can. Extract from Document B of Building Regs. 1.1 All dwellings should have a fire detection and alarm system, minimum Grade D2 Category LD3 standard, in accordance with the relevant recommendations of BS 5839-6. 1.4 Smoke and heat alarms should have a standby power supply, such as a battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) or capacitor. More information on power supplies is given in clause 15 of BS 5839-6. NOTE: The term ‘fire alarm system’ describes the combination of components for giving an audible and/or other perceptible warning of fire. BS 5839-6 defines Categories of alarm systems. If you are working to the minimum stipulated D2 LD3 then you can get away with battery alarms that aren't interlinked. If you go for higher categories you need mains with battery backup and interlinking. You would be best to ask the fire officer local to your rented property to see what he would recommend. You also need a CO alarm in rooms containing a solid fuel burning appliance, its recommended for a gas appliance. The electrician gave you incomplete advice.