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  4. Homeowner factsheet published on new smoke alarm rules

Homeowner factsheet published on new smoke alarm rules

12th October 2020 | property (non-commercial)

Advice for homeowners on the new legal requirements covering fire and smoke alarms has been published today by the Scottish Government.

  • From February 2021, the tolerable standard for all homes will require:
    one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes;
  • one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings; and 
  • one heat alarm installed in every kitchen –

all alarms being ceiling mounted and interlinked, either mains wired or tamperproof long life lithium battery alarms.

In addition, where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance (such as boilers, fires (including open fires) and heaters) or a flue, a carbon monoxide detector will be required.

Tenements and blocks of flats do not need the alarms in communal areas.

Compliance will form part of the home report when a house is put on the market.

The advice explains that following the Grenfell Tower fire, a ministerial working group on building and fire safety was established to review Scotland’s building and fire safety regulatory frameworks, and the new rules will ensure that everyone in Scotland has the same level of protection whether they own or rent their home. They extend standards that already apply to private sector landlords.

Costs are the responsibility of homeowners and landlords.

Click here to view the advice.

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