New Rules For Fire and Smoke Alarms in Homes Across Scotland

17 June 2021

New legislation for Fire and Smoke alarms has come into play following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London in 2017.  The legislation aims to ensure every home in Scotland has the same level of protection whether they rent or own their home.

How and When Are the Rules Changing?

The change in legislation applies to all homes in Scotland and is required to be met by February 2022, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic this date was been extended by 1 year. The new Scottish legislation states that all homes require an interlinked Fire and Smoke alarm system fitted and adequate Carbon Monoxide protection.

What You Need to Do for Your Domestic and/or Letted Property

As of February 2022, new standards for fire and smoke alarms in all homes in Scotland will come into force.

From February 2022, every home requires:

• Smoke alarms in every circulation space on each floor, such as halls and landings
• Smoke alarms in the room most frequently used for general daytime living
• Heat alarms in every kitchen
• All smoke and heat alarms should be interlinked
• Carbon monoxide alarms should be fitter where there is a fuel burning appliance or a flue

These apply to all homeowners and landlords

It will be the responsibility of the homeowner to make sure all new safety standards are met.

What Type of Alarms Should You Get?

You can install mains-wired alarms or tamper-proof long life lithium battery alarms. Whatever you choose, they must interlink. 

If you need to expand the current alarm system you have, or access is difficult tamper proof long-life battery powered alarms are generally installed in place of mains powered alarms.

How Long You Have To Comply

Homeowners and landlords have until February 2022 to comply with the new regulations as that is when they become mandatory.

How You Will Be Checked for Compliance

Compliance with the new rules will form part of any Home Report when you sell your property.  

As this is a minimum standard for safe houses, local authorities will be able to use their statutory powers to require owners to carry out work on substandard housing.