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Complying with the smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024

Compliance

21 January 2025

As of 11th September 2024, all new private rental tenancies in Northern Ireland must comply with the Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024

This requirement was extended to cover all existing tenancies from 1st December 2024. Landlords who have not yet acted should ensure their properties meet these standards without delay to avoid fines.

What alarms are required in rented properties? 

Properties with correctly installed alarms detect fires faster, typically within five minutes of ignition, significantly reducing fatality rates. 

Under these regulations, landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining the following alarms: 

Smoke Alarms

Placement: 

  • In the room most frequently used for general daytime living (e.g., living room/lounge). 
  • In every circulation space, such as hallways, stairs, landings, or corridors.

Standards: 

  • Ceiling-mounted. 
  • Interlinked with other smoke and heat alarms. 
  • Either mains-wired or battery-sealed (or a combination). 
  • Must comply with British Standard BS 5839-6. 

Compliant FireAngel smoke alarms: Mains powered interlinked smoke alarm SM-SN-1, Battery powered interlinked smoke alarm FS2126-T

Heat Alarms

Placement: In every kitchen. 

Standards: 

  • Ceiling-mounted. 
  • Interlinked with other smoke and heat alarms. 
  • Either mains-wired or battery-sealed (or a combination). 
  • Must comply with British Standard BS 5839-6. 

Compliant FireAngel heat alarms: Mains powered interlinked heat alarm HM-SN-1, Battery powered interlinked heat alarm FS1226-T

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

CO is a silent killer, produced when carbon-based fuels burn without sufficient oxygen. Properly installed alarms protect tenants from poisoning and its potentially fatal consequences. 

Placement: 

  • In any room or circulation space containing a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). 
  • In inter-connected spaces, such as integral garages. 
  • Outside bathrooms with combustion appliances (due to humidity). 

Standards: 

  • Ceiling-mounted (minimum 300mm from walls) or wall-mounted (minimum 150mm below the ceiling). 
  • Either mains-wired or battery-sealed. 

Compliant FireAngel carbon monoxide alarms: Battery interlinked CO alarm FS1326-T, Sync-It CO alarm FA3328-EUT, Digital display CO alarm FA3322-EUX10. Check out our full range of carbon monoxide alarms

Protecting open-plan areas 

For open-plan spaces (e.g., combined kitchen/living areas): 

  • If the area lacks walls and is under 7.5 meters from any point, a single alarm may suffice. 
  • For spaces with kitchens, install a heat alarm. 
  • Where open fireplaces are present, a heat alarm may replace a smoke alarm. 

Landlord responsibilities 

Landlords must ensure: 

  • Alarms are in working order at the start of each tenancy. 
  • Faulty alarms are replaced promptly. 
  • Alarms are replaced before their expiry date. 
  • Alarms meet tenants’ specific needs, such as specialist alarms for those who are deaf or hard of hearing such as our FS1552W2-T Strobe and Pad alarm. 

It’s also important to educate tenants about regular testing and proper alarm care. 

Tenant responsibilities 

Tenants must: 

  • Test alarms weekly. 
  • Report any faults to the landlord. 
  • Take care of installed alarms and avoid causing damage. 

If landlords fail to comply, tenants can report them to their local council’s environmental health department. 

 

Ensure your property is compliant 

With the regulations now fully in effect, landlords must act promptly to meet these requirements. For more information, consult the Government’s guidance on the smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024. 

View our specification range of interlinked alarms or contact our expert team today to ensure compliance! 

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