Electrical Standards – what Scottish landlords will need to know and do from next year

In Scotland, new heat and smoke alarm regulations are being introduced from February 2022. Householders and landlords will need to adhere to the new standard to ensure they remain compliant with Scottish government guidance.    As a Scottish landlord, ensuring that all appliances function properly and the tenant is living in a safe environment should always be the top priority.    In order to achieve this, landlords must be prepared in advance. We recommend that landlords familiarise themselves with the new regulations and conduct the relevant checks before the implementation date.   Here, we outline what Scottish landlords can do to ensure they are prepared and fully compliant with the upcoming changes.   The new electrical standard   SELECT, the electrical trade body for Scotland, launched a campaign to help the public and electrical contractors prepare for new heat and smoke alarm regulations coming into action from next year.   Private rented and new-build homes should already meet these standards but starting from February these new rules will apply to every home in Scotland.   If you are more of a visual learner, you can watch the SELECT animation video as it highlights exactly what changes need to be done before the upcoming deadline. On the SELECT website, a detailed page that outlines everything Scottish landlords need to know can also be accessed.    The Scottish government will be helping eligible older and disabled householders with installation by providing £500,000 in partnership with Care and Repair Scotland.   Changes such as the impending electrical standards are necessary to continue the crackdown on the minority of rogue landlords who let hazardous homes. These changes will help to improve the safety of rental properties for tenants, which is one of the main priorities when you are a landlord.   Effectively prepare for change   All properties in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every level of the home in the most visited part of the house, such as the living room. All properties must also be fitted with a heat alarm in the kitchen.   Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can kill you or make you seriously unwell. A carbon monoxide alarm can detect the poisonous gas, so landlords must install this alarm wherever there is a fuel-burning appliance.   If you do have a carbon monoxide alarm, a heat alarm, and a smoke alarm, you are on the right track, but the essential part of keeping compliant is ensuring all alarms are interlinked. This can be achieved using mains-powered with battery back-up or be battery-powered by a tamper-proof long-life battery.     Qualified electricians only   The importance of using a qualified electrician to carry out the work can’t be underestimated. Professional installers are heavily relied on as they are fully trained and familiar with the latest regulations and legislation.    We recommend researching a qualified electrician to carry out your installations. As experts in that field, they will be able to install the right equipment in the right location.    SELECT has produced three downloadable guides, social media templates, training, and available certification. These can all be accessed on the website, so we recommend that Scottish landlords take a look online.     As a landlord, it is imperative that you keep up to date with the latest news to guarantee that you are compliant in the rental sector.    Having an experienced letting agency like Letting Solutions, West Lothian’s first dedicated lettings agency, on your side can help you to stay on top of regulation and will guarantee that you implement the right changes at the right time.   Don’t hesitate to contact us, even if you are not a current client. You can ring us on 01506 496006 or you can email us at: rent@letting-solutions.co.uk.