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Scottish smoke alarm law 2022
Blog/Smoke Alarms

Scottish Smoke Alarm Law 2022:
What Every Homeowner Must Know

28 February 2024•7 min read

This applies to YOUR home — not just rentals

Unlike most housing regulations, Scotland's 2022 smoke alarm law applies to every home — owner-occupied, rented, social housing. If you haven't upgraded your alarms, you need to act.

In February 2022, Scotland became the first part of the UK to require interlinked smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms in every home. The change came after the Grenfell Tower fire and a review of Scottish housing safety standards. Here's exactly what's required.

What Alarms Are Required?

Smoke Alarm — Living Room
One smoke alarm in the room most frequently used for daytime living (usually the living room or lounge). Must be ceiling-mounted.
Smoke Alarm — Every Circulation Space
One smoke alarm in every hallway and landing. In a two-storey house, this means one on the ground floor hallway and one on the upstairs landing.
Heat Alarm — Kitchen
A heat alarm (not a smoke alarm) in the kitchen. Heat alarms are less prone to false alarms from cooking and are specifically required for kitchens.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
A CO detector in any room with a carbon-fuelled appliance — gas boiler, gas fire, wood burner, open fire, oil boiler. This is mandatory, not optional.

The Interlinked Requirement

All alarms must be interlinked — when one triggers, they all sound simultaneously. This is the key change from the old regulations. A single standalone smoke alarm in the hallway is no longer sufficient.

Interlinking can be achieved in two ways:

Wired Interlinked Alarms
Hardwired to the mains with a battery backup. The most reliable option, particularly for new builds or properties undergoing rewiring. Requires an electrician to install.
Wireless Interlinked Alarms
Battery-powered alarms that communicate wirelessly. Easier to retrofit in existing properties without disturbing plasterwork. Must use long-life sealed batteries (10-year).

Does This Apply to Landlords?

Yes — and landlords have additional obligations. As well as the standard requirements above, Scottish landlords must ensure alarms are in working order at the start of each tenancy and provide evidence of compliance. Failure to comply can result in a Repairing Standard enforcement order from the First-tier Tribunal.

We install compliant interlinked alarm systems for landlords across Edinburgh and the Borders — including Galashiels, Hawick, Peebles and Kelso.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2022 smoke alarm law apply to owner-occupiers in Scotland?
Yes. The February 2022 regulations apply to ALL Scottish homes — not just rental properties. Every homeowner must comply.
Do the alarms need to be interlinked?
Yes. All alarms must be interlinked — when one triggers, they all sound. This can be achieved with wired or wireless interlinked alarms.
Can I install the alarms myself?
Wireless battery-powered interlinked alarms can be self-installed. Mains-wired alarms must be installed by a qualified electrician. We recommend professional installation for all systems to ensure correct placement and compliance.
What happens if I don't comply?
For owner-occupiers, there is currently no direct enforcement mechanism, but non-compliance could affect your home insurance. For landlords, non-compliance can result in a Repairing Standard enforcement order.

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