FAQ

HMO Alarm Test is currently being trialled with a selected group of landlords and property managers before its full launch.

The platform is ready to use, but some features may still be refined as we receive feedback from people using it in real situations. During the beta period, you may notice occasional issues or areas that could be improved.

Beta users can use HMO Alarm Test free of charge. In return, we ask you to share your honest feedback and report anything that does not work as expected using the Contact Us form or by emailing us directly.

HMO Alarm Test is a digital record-keeping platform that helps landlords, agents and property managers record smoke alarm, heat alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and emergency lighting tests.

By replacing paper records with digital reports, HMO Alarm Test helps create a clear, organised audit trail across one or multiple properties.

HMO Alarm Test replaces unreliable paper logbooks with organised digital testing records that landlords and property managers can access from anywhere.

As soon as a test is completed, the results are recorded on the landlord’s or property manager’s dashboard. This makes it much quicker and more efficient to monitor testing across one or multiple properties.

It helps you:

• Create a clear, dated and time-stamped record of every submitted test
• See which tests have been completed and which remain outstanding
• View results without travelling to the property to check a logbook
• Avoid records being lost, damaged, incomplete or difficult to read
• See reported faults and concerns as soon as a test is submitted
• Keep routine testing records organised in one place
• Manage multiple properties through one account
• Download reports when required
• Reduce paperwork and manual record-keeping

This makes it easier to see, track and provide evidence of routine alarm and emergency-lighting tests across your properties.

HMO Alarm Test is designed for:

• HMO landlords
• Letting agents
• Property managers
• Portfolio landlords
• Supported accommodation providers
• Other rental property operators who require clear alarm testing records

Yes. Landlords and agents can manage records across multiple properties from a single account.

This reduces administration and allows testing records to be stored in one central location.

You can complete the test yourself or send it to someone you trust who is already visiting or living at the property, such as:

• A tenant
• A cleaner
• A property manager
• A member of your maintenance team
• Another nominated person

No. Any nominated person can complete the test using the secure link you send them. There is no app to download and no account or login required.

The test is quick and easy to complete, with clear step-by-step instructions that work on most smartphones, tablets and computers.

Testing records are stored digitally within HMO Alarm Test. Access is restricted through individual links so that nominated testers can only access the test sent to them, while landlords and property managers can access the records for their own properties.

We use appropriate security measures to protect information against unauthorised access, loss or misuse. Further details about how personal information is collected, used and retained are available in our Privacy Policy.

Each completed test record can include:

• Date and time of submission
• Property details
• Person completing the test
• Test responses
• Fault reports
• Optional notes

This creates a clear digital record that can be reviewed or downloaded whenever required.

Yes. During the testing process, tenants can report faults, damage or concerns relating to alarms or emergency lighting. These reports form part of the property's digital audit trail.

The person completing the test can report the issue through the test form. The record will show the reported fault and can be retained as part of the property's audit trail.

The test will remain marked as outstanding, so you can clearly see that it has not been completed.

You can resend the request, send it to another nominated person—such as another tenant at the property, a cleaner or a contractor—or carry out the test yourself.

HMO Alarm Test helps you track completed and outstanding tests, but responsibility for ensuring the required testing is carried out remains with the landlord or property manager.

Yes. When a test request is issued, HMO Alarm Test creates a record of the request and tracks whether it has been completed.

This helps landlords maintain a clear audit trail showing when requests were sent, when tests were completed and whether any requests remain outstanding.

Yes. Reports can be downloaded and stored as part of your property records.

This can make it easier to organise safety records and provide evidence of completed testing when needed.

No. Submitted test records are locked once completed to help maintain an accurate audit trail.

Testing records are stored digitally within HMO Alarm Test. Landlords and property managers can access their records through the secure link provided to them.

This keeps testing records organised in one place and reduces the risk of paper logbooks being lost, damaged or left incomplete.

The tester follows the step-by-step instructions using the link provided—no account or login is required. Once submitted, the results are recorded with the date and time, allowing you to see that the test has been completed and whether any faults were reported.

Yes. Emergency lighting tests can be recorded where emergency lighting is installed within the property.

No. HMO Alarm Test helps landlords and property managers carry out and record routine checks of smoke alarms, fire-alarm systems and emergency lighting.

Depending on the property and type of system, routine checks may include weekly fire-alarm testing, monthly smoke-alarm testing or monthly emergency-lighting checks. HMO Alarm Test provides instructions and creates a dated record of the results, including any faults reported.

If tenants, cleaners or other nominated people will be completing these checks, it is good practice to show them how to test the specific systems at the property—for example, during check-in or their first visit.

These routine checks do not replace professional inspections, servicing, maintenance, certification or repairs. Testing requirements can vary according to the type of system, the property’s fire-risk assessment, HMO licence conditions, manufacturers’ instructions and local authority requirements.

Responsibility for meeting the property’s legal and fire-safety obligations remains with the landlord or property manager.