All homes to have upgraded fire alarms by 2021
Following a consultation at the end of 2017, the Scottish Government has confirmed that all existing homes in Scotland will be required to meet a new standard for fire safety.
Following a consultation at the end of 2017, the Scottish Government has confirmed that all existing homes in Scotland will be required to meet a new standard for fire safety.
The new standard will require that every home has 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; one heat alarm installed in every kitchen; all smoke and heat alarms to be ceiling mounted; and all smoke and heat alarms to be interlinked.
Specified types of sealed long-life battery alarms or mains-wired alarms are permitted, with a maximum lifespan of 10 years.
These new standards will bring all existing homes up to the standard for fire and smoke alarms required in new build homes.
The standards will be introduced through an amendment to the Tolerable Standard that will come into force from February 2019. Landlords and homeowners will then have 2 years (until February 2021) to meet the new standard. Compliance will be monitored by returns to the Scottish Housing Regulator.