Alarm registration

Who needs to register?

If you have an audible alarm of any type (e.g. intruder alarm, fire alarm, smoke alarm etc.) on your property, you must register details of the key holders to your property. This is a legal requirement under the London Local Authority Act 1991.

Who should key holder details be registered with?

The police. You can do this by calling 0800 197 7711 or by registering on the London keyholder database website.

What do the keyholders have to do?

Key holders must be aware of their responsibilities and be prepared to be a designated contact. Obviously, they should make sure your keys are kept in a safe place and can be found easily if needed.

What is the point of registering?

• If there is an incident at your property, the emergency services may need to access it. If they can contact the key holder, they can access it without having to force entry to the property.

• If your alarm rings continuously and you are not around to switch it off, Southwark Council can contact the key holder to switch it off. If we cannot contact anyone, we are legally obliged to force entry and switch the alarm off. The owner of the property would be charged for the cost of calling out a locksmith and any other charges incurred.