Domestic rental property: landlord and tenant responsibilities
Rental property health and safety
The law on private renting in Northern Ireland changed on 1 April 2023. For further details read the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your property. Aside from the general requirements needed for a certificate of fitness for rental properties, you must also meet the following safety requirements.
Electrical safety in rental properties
All mains electrical equipment, new or second-hand, that you supply with the accommodation must be safe and adequate for the needs of your tenant. You must meet the requirements of regulations for supplying electrical equipment. Most equipment with CE marking will satisfy the requirement, as long as they remain in good working order.
Electrical safety: advice for landlords.
Furniture safety in rental properties
If you are providing furnished accommodation, all furniture you supply must comply with fire safety regulations. Many domestic fires start with soft furnishings and toxic fumes given off when upholstery material burns can be fatal; regulations exist to reduce this risk.
Gas safety in rental properties
If your property has gas heating or any gas appliances, you are legally required to have the boiler and any gas appliances inspected every year.
The inspection must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Gas safety information for landlords.
Carbon Monoxide has no smell, taste or colour, but it is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. If you install a new or replacement fuel-burning appliance, whether it is gas, coal or oil fired you are legally required to install a carbon monoxide detector in the room where the appliance is located.
Fire alarms in rental properties
If you're building a new property to rent out, or converting a new property you'll have to install fire alarms to comply with building regulations. If your property has three or more non-related tenants (an HMO) you are legally required to install a fire alarm. There is no legal requirement for non-HMO properties, however, landlords should install fire alarms to protect any tenants living there. Failing to install a fire alarm could invalidate your insurance policy. Fire safety advice.