My Letting agent said that if I fit smoke alarms the landlord or
letting agent become responsible for regular testing, so they advise
the tenant to fit there own and so take responsibility for the testing

From http://www.wiltshirefirebrigade.com/...oke_alarms.htm
I live in rented accommodation so my landlord is responsible for
fitting a smoke alarm.
FALSE - In fact, landlords aren't under any legal obligation to do so
unless the premises have been built since 1992. All homes built since
1992 (about 1.5 million new homes) are legally required to be fitted
with a basic mains-powered alarm on each floor level.
If you live in rented accommodation ask your landlord to supply smoke
alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm (on moral grounds). Ask for proof
that electrical items provided have been subject to small appliance
testing for electrical safety and that power supply distribution
boards have life protection power cut outs.
Also ensure that heating equipment (gas and electric portable heaters,
boilers etc) has been serviced annually as required and that gas-tight
flues are properly provided and maintained.
If your landlord won't consider the safety of his/her tenants then
move out immediately and report the landlord to your local fire
station as a fire risk.


From http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/fire_safety.htm
The building regulations require that all properties built after June
1992 must have a mains operated inter-connected smoke alarm fitted on
every level of the property.

Older properties do not have to comply but landlords would be well
advised to provide at least battery operated smoke alarms in the
property.

It is important to determine who is responsible for testing and
maintaining the smoke alarms - the landlord, agent or tenant. If the
agent is to be responsible, this should be noted in the management
contract. If the tenant is to be made responsible for this then
adequate warnings must be given in writing.

Documents such as the tenancy agreement, the inventory and the
appliance operating instruction and emergency procedures information
pack given to tenants, should mention the responsibility of the tenant
to test and replace batteries in smoke alarms when fitted.