"Recently at a valuation, I was introduced to a revolutionary smart home system using Google Nest. The system had Smoke and CO Alarms which I think could provide huge benefits to landlords, tenants and letting agents. These alarms are designed to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide in your home and have some advanced features as well as connectivity to the internet." - Jennifer
Traditional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are essential for any rental property. However, problems with these devices can often go unnoticed until it's too late. Here’s where smart smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms come in. These devices are designed to automatically run self-tests, creating reports to show that they are working properly. There are models which can provide real-time alerts to your smartphone, tablet, or computer, so you and your tenants can act quickly in case of an emergency, whether at home or away.
- Smoke and CO Detection: The alarm is equipped with advanced sensors that can detect both smoke and carbon monoxide. If smoke or high levels of CO are detected, it will sound an alarm throughout the property at all the alarm points. On the app, groups can be made so tenants, landlords and agents can all be made aware of any emergency situations.
- Voice Alerts: The Nest Alarm uses a built-in speaker to provide voice alerts, notifying you of the type and location of the potential hazard.
- Mobile Alerts and Notifications: When you connect the alarm to your Wi-Fi network and link it to the Nest app on your smartphone or tablet, you can receive alerts and notifications remotely meaning even if you're away from home, you'll be notified of any potential smoke or CO emergencies.
- Wireless Interconnect: Multiple alarms can be wirelessly interconnected throughout your home. If one alarm detects smoke or CO, it can trigger all the interconnected alarms, sounding a synchronized alert throughout your home. This helps ensure that everyone in the house is quickly alerted, even if the source of the danger is in a different room or floor.
- Self-Testing and Maintenance Reminders: The alarms perform automatic self-tests to ensure they’re functioning correctly, and the batteries have sufficient life left. They also send regular reports to your smartphone, providing peace of mind that the device is always ready to protect your home.
Legislation states that it is compulsory for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be tested on the first day of the tenancy, and similarly, it is the tenant’s responsibility to test the alarms monthly. With a system like this, tests can easily be completed from your phone helping ensure that alarms are tested more than required.
Read more on smoke and carbon monoxide legislation here.
