Hopes that new safety alarm rules for landlords will save lives

PRIVATE landlords in Northern Ireland have been told to update smoke, heat and fire alarms in their properties to meet new minimum standards.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the upcoming changes to the law would increase both safety for tenants and clarity for landlords.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

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The minimum standards will include smoke alarms for the room most frequently used for daytime living purposes such as a living room, except where the room is part of an open kitchen.

They will also be required in every circulation space on each storey such a halls and landing areas.

Heat alarms must be installed in every kitchen and carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in any room or circulation space with a fixed combustion appliance or a flue.

Alarms should be either tamper-proof or hard wired alarms, while smoke and heat alarms must be interlinked.

Having come into force on May 30, the regulations allow three months and six months respectively for new and existing tenancies.

Existing tenancies granted before September 1 must comply by December 1, while new tenancies granted on or after September 1 must be compliant by the date the new tenancy is granted.

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.”

Further information is available on the Department for Communities website.