Propertymark is urging agents to give it their views on two consultations on health and safety issues coming out of Northern Ireland.

The Department for Communities has opened two consultations looking at bringing forward legislation on smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as electrical safety standards in private rented homes across Northern Ireland. 

The Private Tenancies Act gives the power to bring new regulations in promptly and Propertymark welcome the speed at which further evolutions are being considered and actioned.

The consultations look at opportunities to bring forward regulations to specify the type, condition and the number of fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in each private rented property. Propertymark says it wants to see constant progression on legislation concerning all aspects of safety and actively support work to push standards upwards.

In relation to electrical safety standards, the Department for Communities proposes that electrical inspections must be completed by a qualified electrician at least every five years, with portable appliance testing also recommended as part of the checks.

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, comments: “These proposals were included in the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 which came into force earlier this year, so it is pleasing that the Department of Communities are getting on with reforming the private rented sector in Northern Ireland. 

“Propertymark has long supported improving safety standards for tenants and creating a level playing field for all agents and landlords. We will be responding to both consultations to ensure that implementation works in practice and there is an adequate timetable for agents and landlords to comply with.”

Propertymark will be responding to both consultations and members can send views to the Policy and Campaigns Team via [email protected] and there is further information on the Propertymark website.