Regulation Changes in Northern Ireland
There are changes to Private Tenancy Regulations and Building Regulations
Changes to Northern Ireland Building Regulations – Technical Booklet E, May 2025
These amendments to the regulations affect new build properties and materially altered properties such as loft conversions or extensions.
Fire alarm systems are now required to be installed complying with BS 5839-6 of at least Grade D2, Category LD2 standard, including a smoke alarm or alarms in every habitable room and a heat alarm or alarms in every kitchen.
Further relevant amendments can be found within the full booklet here.
Changes to The Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 made on 30 May 2024
These regulations align Northern Ireland with fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety measures already in place in other UK jurisdictions, ensuring consistency and best practice for tenant protection.
The primary goal is to significantly improve tenant safety by equipping properties with advanced fire and CO alarm systems.
- New tenancies must be compliant from 1 September 2024.
- Existing tenancies, granted before the 1st of September, must be compliant from 1st of December 2024.
Key Proposals
- More Alarms, Enhanced Protection: The regulations require landlords to ensure a minimum number of smoke, heat and CO alarms to be installed in their properties.
- Advanced Interconnectivity: Smoke and heat alarms must be interconnected, by wiring or RadioLINK, ensuring a complete warning system throughout the property. It is recommended that if you have more than one carbon monoxide alarm, they are interlinked to each other.
- Reliable Power Sources: Alarms can be mains powered, battery powered (with a tamper proof battery), or a combination of both, for maximum reliability.
- Quality and Compliance: All alarms must be manufactured and certified to British Standards (BS), they must also be installed and maintained in accordance with British Standards.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Access for Maintenance: Provide access for alarm installation, maintenance, and repairs.
- Regular Testing: Test and maintain the alarms as instructed. Follow our guidance on alarm testing.
- Reporting Faults: Report any suspected faults to the landlord immediately.
Landlord Responsibilities
- Initial Installation: Ensure the correct number and types of alarms are installed upon tenancy change.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Replace faulty alarms promptly and before expiry.
- Record Keeping: Maintain a clear record of alarm installations and replacements. Learn more about our AudioLINK+ technology,
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
- Must be installed in any room or circulation space which contains a fixed combustion appliance or a flue.
Smoke Alarms
- Must be installed in every circulation space on each storey, and the room which is most frequently used by the occupants for general daytime living purposes (e.g. living room/lounge).
Heat Alarms
- Must be installed in every kitchen.
Typical Minimum Coverage
