Fire safety

Mains smoke alarms

Under the new Repairing Standard introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006, any property being let after September 2007 should have a mains operated smoke alarm with battery back up fitted to each level of the property; they must be interconnected so that if one sounds they all sound.

If any rooms are not immediately adjacent to the room with the alarm, then another detector must be installed and interconnected. A good example is where the lounge is accessed from the hall, and the kitchen or a box room is accessed from the lounge. A kitchen in this situation would normally have a heat detector installed.

You can find more information on the Private Rented Housing Panel (PRHP) website.

Fire blankets

It is also recommended as good practice to have a fire blanket installed in the kitchen.

Furnishings

Landlords must ensure that all furniture and furnishings comply with the Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended by the Fire and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1993.

HMO properties

Any property which requires an HMO licence in Edinburgh will have additional requirements relating to fire safety. Find out what properties need an HMO licence here.

Mains smoke alarms

HMO properties are required to have an alarm in each room, including cupboards over a certain size - they must all be interconnected and usually a heat detector is installed in the ktchen.

Certificates must be issued by the installer to cover installation, commissioning and testing.

Sprinkler systems

Any property with only one access, but on more than one level, may need a sprinkler system. This often applies to top floor duplex flats in Edinburgh; your letting agent should be able to advise you if a sprinkler system is likely to be required. As these can cost as much as £5,000 or more to install, it is essential to assess the requirements before proceeding.

Fire extinguishers

HMO properties require fire extinguishers and fire blankets to be installed. The exact type of extinguisher, and regular testing required, may vary by type of property.

It is not recommended to put fire extinguishers into other rented property unless you are willing to have them installed and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.