HMO legal compliance
Essential information on managing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), covering licensing, safety standards, and legal compliance
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must have:
A smoke alarm on each storey with living accommodation
A smoke alarm in each individual ‘unit’ – whether that’s a bedroom or bedsit
A heat alarm in high-risk rooms, such as kitchens
The alarms must be interconnected and mains powered. If the HMO is three storeys or higher, an appropriate alarm system with a central panel must be installed.
Landlords must also make sure the alarm system is kept in good working order and has maintenance carried out by a competent person as per the manufacturer’s instructions – commonly every six months. Evidence of the regular checking/servicing of fire alarms must be provided to the local authority if they request it.
See our ultimate guide to letting an HMO property.
The following regulations that already existed for privately rented properties were extended to all homes in Scotland in February 2022. Residential properties must have:
One smoke alarm in the living room or the room most commonly used during the day
One smoke alarm in every main circulation space on each floor, e.g. hallway or landing
A heat alarm in the kitchen
All smoke and heat alarms should be ceiling mounted, mains powered and interlinked.
Rooms with a carbon-fuelled appliance – such as a boiler or fire – must also have a carbon monoxide detector, but this doesn’t need to be linked to the fire alarms.
New tenants must be advised of the expiry dates of smoke and heat alarms before the tenancy begins.
Full fire safety information, including guidance on alarm installation, is available on the Scottish Government website.
