eriodic testing of your smoke and/or fire alarms and safety equipment is a virtual requirement of any landlord in almost any jurisdiction.  In multi-unit properties, you’ll want to coordinate the testing to be done all at one time to both minimize disruption to your tenants and avoid multiple testing days.  If your fire system is interconnected, than you risk setting off some panic if you run a test without providing sufficient notice. Verbal notice is not enough for a smoke alarm test.  Providing written may also protect your own liability exposure as well as you can provide specific evidence of alarm testing dates from the notices you’ve issued.  Use a Notice of Entry form or a safety inspection form for advance notice.  Even in single unit homes or condos, you’ll want to test out the smoke alarm equipment and also use the opportunity to remind your tenants about the importance of fire safety. This form is a checklist for quarterly, semi, and/or annual smoke alarm inspections to determine if the smoke alarm is in good working order OR requires maintenance.  Then tenant must sign the form to witness that the device was tested/inspected.