As part of this, we ensure that the electrical installation in a tenanted council home is inspected and tested by a certified electrician at least every five years.

In addition, all homes in Scotland must have interlinked smoke and heat alarms:

• one smoke alarm in the living room or the room that is used most
• one smoke alarm in every hallway and landing
• one heat alarm in the kitchen

Having alarms interlinked means that if one alarm goes off, they all go off, and will be able to be heard wherever you are in your home.

We are responsible for meeting this standard and since 2019, we have been working to upgrade council homes with interlinked alarm systems, however we still need to gain access to around 500 council homes. 

For both essential electrical testing and interlinked alarm systems, we are currently contacting tenants who have not yet provided access, with the aim of identifying a suitable date and time to carry out the work.

If this work has not yet been carried out in your home it is very important that you allow us access for the work to be done. 

Where we have made repeated attempts to arrange access to your home to complete an electrical inspection or to fit an interlinked alarm system, we may have to take steps to force entry to your home. For your own safety, as well as that of your family and neighbours, please allow us access to your home.

More information on the law on fire alarms is available from the Scottish Government website.