Communities Minister has announced forthcoming
changes to the law relating to private rental properties.
Mr Lyons said:
“These new regulations are designed to keep people safe by
setting a minimum standard for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide
alarms in private rental properties.
“This is the latest stage of changes provided for by the Private
Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. These measures are
designed to protect the rights and well-being of tenants in the
first instance. In addition, they also aim to provide a clear
framework for landlords, outlining their responsibilities in
relation to properties and tenants.”
The minimum standards for private rented properties have been set
as a:
- Smoke alarm installed in;
- The room which is most frequently used by the occupants
for general daytime living purposes (normally the living
room/lounge, except where the room includes an open kitchen);
and
- every circulation space on each storey (hall, landing
area);
- Heat alarm installed in every kitchen; and
- Carbon monoxide alarm installed in any room or circulation
space which contains a fixed combustion appliance or a flue (that
will include any bedrooms a flue passes through)
- Alarms can be either sealed tamper-proof or hard wired
alarms
- Smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked.
The Section 8 Regulations came into force on the 30 May 2024 with
a lead in time applied for private rental landlords to become
compliant (three months and six months respectively for new and
existing tenancies from the date the Regulations were made).
Compliance dates
Existing tenancies granted before 1 September 2024 must
comply by 1 December 2024. New tenancies granted on or after
1 September 2024 must be compliant on the date the new
tenancy is granted.
The move follows a consultation and ongoing engagement with
stakeholders as the legislation governing private tenancies is
implemented.
The Minister added:
“There is a clear link between a proper alarm system and improved
safety. An early warning of potential danger can help to reduce
injuries and ultimately save lives. It can also serve to limit
damage to a property as a result of fire.”
More information is available on the DfC website:
All private landlords who let a property under a private tenancy
should be registered under the Landlord
Registration Scheme(external link opens in a new window /
tab):
If you are a tenant and struggling with finances, a range of
information is available on income support, housing and other
areas, through the NI
Direct website(external link opens in a new window / tab):
Notes to editors:
- In situations where an open fireplace would make a smoke
alarm impractical a heat alarm may be fitted, and in
circumstances where the room includes an open plan living area,
provided the heat alarm in the kitchen is installed in a position
where it is not more than 7.5 metres from any point in a room a
smoke alarm may be dispensed with.
- Sections 1 – 6 of the Private Tenancies Act legislation come
into law from 1 April 2023. The text of the Act(external
link opens in a new window / tab) is available:
