Landlords with properties in Northern Ireland need to ensure they are up to date with the changes to the Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Private Tenancies Regulations and Building (Amendment) Regulations Part E (Fire Safety). Here, we summarise what’s happening and why.
What are the changes to the Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Private Tenancies Regulations?
In January 2024, suggested changes to the regulations were announced. These changes have now come into force. As such, 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 changes are all geared towards enhancing tenant protection, ensuring consistent best practice is followed and to align and harmonise Northern Ireland with fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety measures already in place in other parts of the UK.
Amendments include:
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Alarms must be either mains or sealed-in tamper proof battery powered or a combination of both for maximum reliability.
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Smoke and heat alarms must be interconnected to ensure a complete warning system throughout the property.
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Landlords will need to ensure a minimum number of smoke, heat and CO alarms are installed in a rental property.
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Alarms must be installed and maintained in accordance with British Standards.
What are the current responsibilities for landlords?
The landlord must ensure that each smoke, heat or carbon monoxide alarm is:
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In proper working order at the beginning of every new tenancy
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Replaced when notified the alarm is faulty and before the manufacturer’s specified date of expiry.
What are the changes to Building (Amendment) Regulations Part E (Fire Safety)?
Landlords might already be aware that the proposed amendments were issued back in July 2023. These included:
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Extending requirements for smoke and heat alarms to include all habitable rooms. This would affect new or materially altered dwellings with no storey higher than 200m.
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A fire alarm system must be installed when new habitable rooms are created above or below the property’s ground storey, or at ground storey level with no final exit.
What does this mean now for landlords?
When it comes to fire safety, landlords will be well aware of the need to be prepared and proactive; keeping up to date with changing and complex legislation. Properties under many landlords’ care will likely need to be equipped with additional and advanced fire and CO alarm systems.
How can Kidde help?
At Kidde, we provide a range of fire safety solutions and expertise, and our team can help landlords understand the new proposals and their implications today helping to futureproof your properties and implement changes now.
For further information, please visit https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/new-requirements-smoke-heat-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms-private-rental-properties. To view our range of certified smoke, heat and CO alarms, or to get in touch with any queries visit: www.kidde.com/fire-safety/en/uk.