Do I have the right to see the Gas Safety Certificate before I move in?

Yes, you are entitled to see a valid Gas Safety Certificate before the start of your tenancy and every year after, where gas appliances are used.

Does my landlord need to provide an electrical safety certificate?

For HMOs, a five-yearly certificate is required by law, but in other rentals, landlords must still ensure electrical safety even if not required to provide a formal certificate.

Are there safety certificates for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?

While there is no standard certificate, landlords must legally provide working smoke alarms on each floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a solid fuel appliance.

What tribunal deals with tenancy disputes in Northern Ireland?

The Rent Assessment Panel handles tenancy disputes, including issues around rent, repairs, and safety.

Safety Certificates Required Before Renting in Northern Ireland

Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Northern Ireland published: June 29, 2025

Before renting a property in Northern Ireland, it’s important for renters to know that landlords have specific safety certificate duties. Understanding which documents must be provided can help you feel secure and informed before moving in. This article explains the certificates required, relevant legislation, official forms, and what to do if your landlord doesn’t comply. All information is accurate for 2024 and based on official government guidance.

What Safety Certificates Must a Landlord Provide?

Landlords in Northern Ireland are legally required to meet health and safety standards before renting out a property. The most important certificates and checks include:

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12): Must be renewed every 12 months if the property has gas appliances.
Electrical Safety: There must be a periodic electrical inspection (currently every five years for Houses in Multiple Occupation, or HMOs).
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC): Must be provided to all new tenants before the tenancy starts.
Fire Safety in Furnished Properties: All furnishings provided must meet fire safety standards.

Let’s look at each requirement in detail to ensure you know exactly what to expect before signing a tenancy agreement.

Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)

If your rental home in Northern Ireland has gas appliances, your landlord must have a registered Gas Safe engineer complete an annual gas safety check. You should receive a valid Gas Safety Certificate (also called CP12) before moving in and every year after.

Official gas safety advice for renting (nidirect)
HSENI gas safety guidance

Tip: If you haven’t seen the CP12, ask your landlord or letting agent immediately. You’re entitled to see evidence that gas appliances are safe.

Electrical Safety Standards

All landlords are required to make sure electrical installations are safe at the start of the tenancy and remain so throughout. For Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), a five-yearly electrical safety inspection is mandatory (see the NI Housing Executive guide). For other rental homes, it’s recommended but not currently a legal requirement for periodic checks; however, any electrical appliances provided must be safe.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Your future landlord must provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) free of charge. The EPC highlights how energy-efficient the property is and is required whenever a property is built, sold, or rented in Northern Ireland. The EPC must be given to you before you sign your tenancy agreement.

Fire Safety for Furnished Rentals

If the property is furnished, all supplied furniture must comply with fire safety regulations. This includes items such as sofas, mattresses, and armchairs, which must carry a label confirming they meet fire resistance standards.

Key Official Forms and When Renters Might See Them

Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme Confirmation:
When you pay a deposit, your landlord must protect it in an approved scheme and give you written confirmation. While this isn’t a “safety certificate”, it’s an important document for protecting your rights. Learn more about deposit protection requirements.
HMO Licence (where applicable):
If you are renting a room or property classed as a House in Multiple Occupation, your landlord must provide you with a copy of the HMO Licence (no official downloadable form as this is a license confirmation).

Always ask to see these documents if they have not been offered. It’s both your right and a way to ensure the property is legally let.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

The main law covering private renting safety standards in Northern Ireland is the The Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006¹. This details a landlord’s duty to keep the property safe and in good repair. For HMOs, the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016² applies.

If you feel your property does not meet safety requirements, you can contact your local council’s Environmental Health Department or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for advice and investigation.

What Happens if You Don’t Receive the Required Certificates?

Request the documents from your landlord in writing and keep a copy of your request.
If there is no response, report your concern to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or your local council’s Environmental Health department.
Unsafe conditions may be grounds for enforcement action against your landlord, or for you to seek further support.

If you ever feel your rented home is unsafe and your landlord will not provide certificates, contact the council or Housing Executive as soon as possible. They can carry out an inspection and help ensure your home meets the required standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety Certificates for Renters in Northern Ireland

Do I have the right to see the Gas Safety Certificate before I move in?
Yes, you are entitled to see a valid Gas Safety Certificate before the start of your tenancy and every year after, where gas appliances are used.
Does my landlord need to provide an electrical safety certificate?
For HMOs, a five-yearly certificate is required by law, but in other rentals, landlords must still ensure electrical safety even if not required to provide a formal certificate.
What should I do if my landlord refuses to provide safety certificates?
Request the certificates in writing. If ignored, contact your local council’s Environmental Health department or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for assistance.
Are there safety certificates for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
While there is no standard certificate, landlords must legally provide working smoke alarms on each floor and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a solid fuel appliance.
What tribunal deals with tenancy disputes in Northern Ireland?
The Rent Assessment Panel handles tenancy disputes, including issues around rent, repairs, and safety.

Key Takeaways for Renters

Your landlord must provide a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) and EPC before renting, plus a five-yearly electrical certificate for HMOs.
Always ask to see safety documents before moving in—this is your right and safeguards your wellbeing.
If a landlord refuses, contact the council or Housing Executive, who can inspect the property and take further steps.

Being aware of these rights ensures you can rent a safe, legal, and comfortable home in Northern Ireland.