Sep 12 2024 02:27:00

Northern Ireland's new smoke alarm laws for rented properties have come into force.

The new laws include a requirement for a smoke detector in the room most used by occupants for "general daytime living purposes".

Already existing tenancies must meet the regulations by 1 December.

The laws include new requirements for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms in private rental properties.

From 1 September, there is a legal requirement for smoke alarms to be installed in the room which is most frequently used by the occupants for general daytime living purposes, as well as every circulation space on each storey.

There will also be a requirement for a heat alarm to be installed in every kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm to be installed in any room or circulation space which contains a fixed combustion appliance or a flue.

In addition to this, the new laws will require smoke and heat alarms to be linked.

What is a heat alarm?

Heat alarms work differently to smoke alarms.

While a smoke alarm is designed to detect smoke, a heat alarm detects when there is a significant increase in temperature, and may help to indicate that a fire is starting, or is about to start.

Heat detectors are sometimes used in rooms where highly flammable substances or chemicals are stored. They can also be useful in areas where there may be high levels of smoke and dust.