04/2014 - Blog - Finlayson Gore

New building standards guidance means that upgrades will now be required to fire detection systems in many rental properties. There are exemptions, but this generally means that mains wired, interlinked smoke and heat detectors that meet the standard set by building regulations are needed, including:

•           One functioning smoke alarm in the room which is frequently used by the occupants for general daytime living purposes
•           One functioning smoke alarm in every circulation space, such as hallways and landings
•           One heat alarm in every kitchen
•           All alarms should be interlinked

The Scottish Association of Landlords successfully lobbied for this upgrading to be acceptable as part of the Landlord’s ongoing maintenance and refurbishment plans, rather than requiring immediate compliance by a certain date. Single-storey rental properties that have until now complied with the Repairing Standard with their older battery powered detectors, (in place and working prior to 3 September 2007) do not now meet the standard, and the alarms would be coming to an end of their life spans in any case.