Dear Sir/Madam
I would be most grateful if you could advise me on the law regarding the need for a fire escape as a second exit for a flat located on the third floor of a building from the time that I took out the tenancy in 1996 onward. Somebody has told me that the law was changed a number of years ago and the requirement for efficient smoke detectors has replaced the requirement for fire escapes as a requirement for flats on the third floor of a building. However,if this is the case then I need to know what were the requirements prior to this change in the law. I would be grateful for any advice that you may be able to offer on this matter.

Kind regards

Gerard 

The need for satisfactory means of escape still applies, the smoke alarm is to wake you up and warn you as soon as possible, so you can effect a safe escape.