Fire safety in Belfast
Belfast's growing city-centre apartment market, student accommodation and Victorian terraces mean landlords and managing agents here work under Northern Ireland's own fire safety and tenancy rules.
In Northern Ireland, fire safety in non-domestic premises and the common areas of houses in multiple occupation is governed by the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, and enforced by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
Rented homes and HMOs
Private tenancies in Northern Ireland must meet the fitness standards set by the Department for Communities, including working smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms. HMOs are licensed by councils under the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, which sets fire detection standards as licence conditions.
Taller residential buildings
The English higher-risk building regime does not apply in Northern Ireland. Owners and managing agents of taller residential buildings should follow Northern Ireland building regulations and guidance from the Department of Finance and the Department for Communities.