BS 5839 Explained for Landlords and Property Managers
BS 5839 is the British Standard for fire detection and alarm systems. This guide explains what it means for landlords, HMO owners and commercial property managers across the UK.
What is BS 5839?
BS 5839 is the British Standard that sets out the recommendations for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in buildings. It is not a legal requirement in itself, but it is widely referenced in fire safety legislation and insurance policies, meaning that departing from it requires specific justification.
BS 5839-1 vs BS 5839-6
BS 5839-1 covers non-domestic premises such as offices, factories, schools, care homes and commercial buildings. BS 5839-6 covers domestic premises including houses, flats and HMOs. If you are a landlord of an HMO, BS 5839-6 is most relevant to you.
System Categories Under BS 5839-1
Category M systems are manually operated only (call points). Category L systems are automatic fire detection systems for life protection, with L1 being the highest level. Category P systems are for property protection. Most commercial premises require at least a Category L2 or L3 system.
Servicing Requirements Under BS 5839
BS 5839-1 recommends that fire alarm systems in commercial buildings are inspected and serviced at least twice per year by a competent person. FireJet's engineers are fully trained and experienced across all system types and manufacturers.
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