Communities minister Gordon Lyons said changes will be made to the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, which was introduced to strengthen protections for private renters.

The minimum standards for private rented properties have been set as:

• 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.

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 Section 8 Regulations came into force on 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).

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.”

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “Propertymark welcomes the introduction of mandatory smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms in private rented property in Northern Ireland. These measures will improve the safety of tenants and help professionalise the sector.

“We have long called for these reforms, and it is pleasing to see a lead in time for letting agents and their landlords to comply. We encourage agents to understand the changes and get ahead by installing and checking alarms before the new regulations come fully into force later in the year.”