BSL Launch Recite Me assistive technology myaccountMyAccount login image

Smoke and fire alarms

Smoke and heat alarms in your home

Every home in Scotland must have interlinked smoke and heat alarms. This means when one alarm sounds, they all sound. Interlinked alarms give you and your family the best chance to react quickly in a fire, even if the fire starts in another room.

What alarms you need

Your home must have:

  • one smoke alarm in the room you use most during the day, usually the living room
  • one smoke alarm in each hallway or landing on every floor
  • one heat alarm in the kitchen

All smoke and heat alarms must:

  • be fitted to the ceiling
  • be interlinked, either by wire or wirelessly

Why this matters

You might not hear the alarm closest to a fire straight away. Interlinked alarms make sure you hear the warning wherever you are in your home, giving you more time to get out safely.

If you are a council tenant

You do not need to do anything. We are installing interlinked smoke and heat alarms in all our homes. If you have questions or concerns, contact your local housing office.

If you rent from a housing association

Your housing association landlord is responsible for meeting the alarm standard and will arrange installation if needed. Contact your housing association if you are unsure.

If you rent privately

Your private landlord must install interlinked smoke and heat alarms. This has been a legal requirement since 2019. Speak to your landlord if you are unsure your home meets the standard.

Alarms for deaf or deafblind people

If you or someone in your home is deaf or deafblind, you can ask your landlord to provide suitable alarms, such as visual or vibrating alerts. This is a legal right. Tell your landlord about your needs as soon as possible.

Help with costs for homeowners

Older or disabled homeowners on low incomes may get help through Care and Repair service. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service can also install alarms for people at high risk during a home fire safety visit.

Find out more