The Tolerable Standard is defined in Housing Legislation and prescribes a minimum standard a property must meet to be considered suitable for human habitation. It specifies standards for criteria such as:
- Structural stability
- Rising and penetrating dampness
- Ventilation and heating
- Natural and artificial lighting
- Toilet and bath/shower facilities
- Drainage
- Hot and cold water provisions
- Cooking of food
- Electricity provision
- Access to external doors and outbuildings
The Scottish Government has confirmed new standards for fire and smoke alarms are being introduced through the implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (Tolerable Standard)(Extension of Criterion) Order 2019. The new standards are in recognition of the danger fire poses to the occupants of a house and are intended to reduce the risk of loss of life, injuring and damage to property in the event of a fire.
The requirements were due to come into force from February 2021, however the Scottish Government delayed for a further year. All homes required to comply with the legislation by February 2022. Details of the new standards can be found on the Scottish Government website
The Scottish Government have advised that all households that homeowners have a ‘reasonable period’ after the February deadline has since passed to install the alarms.