Gas and Carbon Monoxide Safety Rights in NI

As a tenant in Northern Ireland you have clear rights when it comes to gas safety and protection from carbon monoxide. Landlords must keep gas appliances and flues safe with an annual gas safety check and provide you with the gas safety record; they must also fit and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where required under current law. This guide explains your rights, what checks and forms to expect, practical steps to report problems, and how to raise disputes with the Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland or through official channels. It uses plain language and focuses on what you can do today to stay safe, document issues, and seek timely enforcement or repairs.

Landlord responsibilities

Under the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 a landlord has legally enforced duties about safety and repairs; see the legislation for full details Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022^[1]. For gas specifically, landlords must arrange an annual gas safety check, keep the gas safety record and give a copy to you within 28 days of the check or when you move in; official guidance sets out these duties and timescales gas safety: landlord responsibilities^[2].

• Within 12 months arrange an annual gas safety check and give you a copy of the gas safety record.
• Safety: fit and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where required by regulation and ensure appliances are safe.
• Keep written records (including the gas safety record) for at least two years and provide copies on request.

When a gas or carbon monoxide problem appears

If you smell gas, feel unwell, or detect a carbon monoxide alarm, treat it as an emergency. Turn off gas appliances if safe to do so, ventilate the room by opening windows, and call the national gas emergency number immediately. If the situation is not urgent, report the problem to your landlord or letting agent in writing and ask for a timescale for repair.

If your landlord does not act within a reasonable time, you can gather evidence (photos, dates, written reports) and escalate for enforcement or dispute resolution under the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 and related housing rules.

How repairs and enforcement usually work

Start by notifying your landlord or agent clearly and in writing. If the landlord fails to carry out repairs, you can contact official enforcement bodies or apply to the tribunal that hears residential tenancy disputes in Northern Ireland: the Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland Residential Property Tribunal^[3]. The tribunal can consider ordered repairs, compliance and compensation in some cases.

FAQ

Do landlords need to carry out an annual gas safety check?

Yes. Landlords must commission an annual gas safety check by a registered engineer and provide you the written gas safety record; keep a copy for at least two years.

Who can I contact if my landlord won’t fix a dangerous gas problem?

If the situation is immediately dangerous call the gas emergency number; if the landlord still won’t act you can apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland for enforcement or remedies under the Private Tenancies Act.

Am I allowed to withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?

Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction proceedings. Instead, document everything, follow official complaint routes, seek advice and, if necessary, apply to the tribunal for an order requiring repairs or compensation.

How-To

1. Call or contact your landlord or letting agent immediately and follow up in writing with dates and photos.
2. If there is immediate danger (gas smell, fainting, severe headache) call the gas emergency number at once.
3. Make a written record: note dates, times, names, take photos and keep copies of texts or emails.
4. If the landlord does not act, apply to the Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland with your evidence and the relevant section of the Private Tenancies Act.
5. Attend any hearing prepared with originals or copies of your records and a short timeline of events to support your case.

Help and Support / Resources

• NIDirect: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms guidance
• Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) - housing guidance
• Tribunals (Northern Ireland) - contact and divisions

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1. [1] Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022
2. [2] Gas safety: landlord responsibilities (GOV.UK)
3. [3] Residential Property Tribunal for Northern Ireland