NEW fire alarm rules are set to come into force next week in Scotland – but what do homeowners, landlords and tenants need to know ahead of the change?
From Tuesday February 1 a new set of standards for interlinked fire safety and smoke alarms is being introduced after being delayed for 12 months due to the pandemic.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs consumeradvice.scot, has issued guidance on what responsibilities fall on homeowners and landlords ahead of the rule change.
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Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It will be for the property owner, such as the owner occupier or the landlord, to ensure these standards are met and this will include paying the costs of purchasing and installing any new equipment.
“We have put together a list of frequently asked questions for Scots, as well as information videos to help those required to make the necessary changes.
“It is important that everyone in Scotland checks if their property complies, as there is a potential impact on insurance policies, but the government has also made clear there will be no penalties for non-compliance.”
Mathieson has set out a list of need to know rules for Scots ahead of the change
What are the new rules?
A smoke alarm must be installed in the room used most for daytime living, for example, a living room. Others will be placed in “circulation spaces, such as hallways or landings on each storey of the property.
All alarms must be interlinked and ceiling mounted. A heat alarm in the kitchen will also need to be installed, as well as a carbon-monoxide detector in any property with a carbon-fuelled appliance such as a boiler, fire or heater. In the event of a fire, all the interlinked alarms go off if one is triggered.
What if I am a tenant?
If you are a tenant renting from the private sector, the responsibility for making the changes rests with your private landlord and they should already by complying with the regulations.
If you are a social tenant (housing association or local authority), your landlord should have been informed of the changes and should have made plans to implement them by February 1, 2022.
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Do all alarms in a block of flats have to be linked?
There will be no obligation to link alarms between different properties in a block of flats or a tenement. You will not have to put fire alarms in communal areas.
Must the alarms be linked in my rented property if it has housing association shared ownership?
You will be responsible for ensuring the property is in line with the regulations unless it is stated in the occupancy agreement that the housing association has responsibility for managing such matters.
Is there a specific type of alarm that should be bought?
The Scottish Government advises that either mains-wired or tamper-proof long-life lithium battery alarms be used. If you choose mains-wired alarms, a qualified electrician will be needed to install them. You should check that systems meet the requirements before purchasing them.
How much will the changes cost?
The Scottish Government estimates that the changes for a three bedroom house, requiring three smoke alarms, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector will cost £220.
Is there any financial support to help me buy the equipment needed to meet these regulations?
If you are the property owner, you will be expected to pay for any new equipment in most circumstances. However, your local council may offer discretionary funding to assist with the cost if you are finding it difficult to do this.
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Will my home insurance be affected if my home doesn't meet the new regulations?
This will depend on your insurance provider. In the most extreme cases, not meeting the regulations could void the insurance coverage. However, you should speak to your insurance provider if unsure to see how your policy will be affected. We previously told how insurers have sought to ally homeowners' fears over the rule change.
Will I be penalised if I don’t make the changes in time?
No. Last week, Housing Secretary Shona Robison said the regulations are “designed to protect and save lives” and there will be “no penalties for non-compliance”, stressing that people will not face penalties “if they need more time”.
Consumer Advice Scotland have also produced short FAQ videos on the rule changes, which you can view here.
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