Fire safety equipment – who is responsible? The tenant or managing agent?
12:01 AM, 29th July 2026, 3 weeks ago
7
Hi, I have a suspected sprinkler slow drip leak in my leasehold flat ceiling. The property developers checked and don’t believe its a roof issue (I’m on the top floor).
The managing agent believes it’s my responsibility to pay for the investigation and has claimed that I’m responsible if the sprinklers serve my flat.
The sprinkler is defined as fire safety equipment. Fire safety equipment is defined as Estate Common Parts.
Who is responsible for the payment because I don’t want to pay for someone to investigate, and then potentially cause damage to the sprinkler system and the rest of the system.
The managing agent is not accepting responsibility, and this saga runs on and on.
Thank you,
Angela
Tags:
fire safety equipment, flat ceiling leak, leasehold sprinkler leak, leaseholder repair costs, managing agent responsibility, service charge responsibility
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Previous Article
Town's landlords face clean-up warning
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1557 - Articles: 1
10:58 AM, 29th July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
The freeholder is responsible for this as is part of the fire safety installation.
The whole installation should be checked and serviced as per regulations ie if a Grade A fire alarm installed tested weekly and serviced every 6 months; the emergency lighting tested monthly and serviced annually etc etc
Member Since February 2025 - Comments: 83
11:32 AM, 29th July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Ask the managing agents for a copy of the building’s fire risk assessment. That should mention the sprinkler system and the maintenance schedule for it.
Member Since July 2026 - Comments: 4
7:01 PM, 30th July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Thank you. This is their latest message to me:
Hello Angela,
If you look under the lease I believe it is page 11 under ‘the property’ it states ‘any Pipes exclusively serving the Property’
The pipe you are referring to serves only your property.
If you need any further assistance please do let me know.
Member Since July 2026 - Comments: 4
7:02 PM, 30th July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
And here is another message:
Hello Angela,
I have checked this once again and our position remains unchanged, if the pipe is serving your sprinkler this is demised to you.
As explained previously if this turns out to be a communal leak of course we will bear the cost for this.
I can organise this for you if you wish but I do need confirmation in writing you are happy to pay if this is a demised issue.
Member Since July 2026 - Comments: 4
7:04 PM, 30th July 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 29/07/2026 – 10:58
Thank you. But even if i tell them this, are they even going to acknowledge me? i have sent a number of messages to them and they keep deflecting. i’ve had solicitors quote of around £1500 for a review and a letter. My concern is, what will a letter do?
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1557 - Articles: 1
8:56 AM, 1st August 2026, About 3 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Angela Delnevo at 30/07/2026 – 19:04
Contact the Leasehold Advisory Service. If not a rental property could also contact Citizens Advice – CA do not assist landlords with tenant issues but might for this so maybe worth still asking them.
Member Since July 2026 - Comments: 4
6:31 PM, 1st August 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 01/08/2026 – 08:56
Thanks I have a call booked with them