In Scotland, smoke detection rules changed over a year ago…

So far this year we have taken many hundreds of calls to our free member helpline, asking us about the new rules for smoke detection in the private rented sector (PRS). Changes came in well over a year ago in Scotland, via the “Repairing Standard”. Our member factsheet on this topic is one of the most popular downloads from our website and we have answered a huge variety of members’ queries about what is needed in all their various property layouts. 

We are all set for more of the same, with new mandatory guidance coming in later this year for electrical safety testing in Scotland. We welcome this and indeed we campaigned for this clarity although we do believe it should also apply to the social rented sector.

Like most housing legislation, what applies in Scotland regarding smoke detectors in the PRS differs to that in England and Wales. In Scotland this has been mandatory for some time.

Therefore Scots landlords do need to be careful that what they read online is the right information – always check it out with specialists in Scotland before acting to save making any costly errors.

Smoke detection rules confuse many people and this has been a typical week here at SAL, with one member contacting us to check on the information they had read in an announcement from “Housing Minister Brandon Lewis”. In fact, with Housing devolved to the Scottish Parliament, the Housing Minister in Scotland is Margaret Burgess MSP and her announcement on this topic was made a long time ago. More importantly the detail of the rules differs too.

If you have any questions on Scottish rental properties and how to ensure that you comply with the law, as well as keep your tenants safe, then it’s worth getting in touch with us here at the Scottish Association of Landlords.

Please contact us via the form below and we will let you know what we can offer you via our landlord membership which works out at £1.73 per week* – that’s less than a Lottery ticket or your Sunday paper. *Also please note that memberships are paid annually and are fully tax deductible.