Certificate of fitness (pre-1945 property) in Northern Ireland
A legal requirement for landlords in Northern Ireland, with no fixed renewal date. It applies to rented properties that are not HMOs, and built before 1945, and must be done by a suitably competent person.
At a glance
- How often
- No fixed renewal date
- Who does it
- A suitably competent person
- Applies to
- Rented properties that are not HMOs, and built before 1945
- Legal status
- Legal requirement
Common questions
Is there a renewal date for the certificate of fitness (pre-1945 property)?
No. The certificate of fitness (pre-1945 property) has no fixed renewal date in Northern Ireland. It is a duty that applies whenever the rules below are triggered, for example at the start of a tenancy.
Who is responsible for the certificate of fitness (pre-1945 property)?
The landlord is responsible for arranging it. The work itself must be done by a suitably competent person.
Does it apply to every rented property in Northern Ireland?
No. It applies to rented properties that are not HMOs, and built before 1945.
What does the law say?
Private Tenancies (NI) Order 2006, Art 33: for a new tenancy of a dwelling built before 1945 with no certificate of fitness, apply to the council for a fitness inspection within 28 days of granting the tenancy. If it is unfit, the rent is controlled until a certificate is issued. Exempt: registered or licensed HMOs, and homes with an NIHE renovation grant in the last 10 years.
Written from the same rule Beamwise uses to track this for properties in Northern Ireland, last updated . Rules change, so check the legislation named above or take professional advice before relying on it.
Other requirements in Northern Ireland
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Gas Safety Certificate (CP12 / LGSR)
- HMO chimney and flue cleaning
- HMO fire risk assessment
- HMO licence
- HMO portable appliance testing (PAT)
- Landlord Registration Scheme
- Smoke and heat alarms
- Tenancy deposit protection
- Tenancy Information Notice
- Chimney sweep / solid-fuel appliance service
- Legionella risk assessment
- Oil boiler service
- Rent increases: frequency and notice
Let Beamwise keep track of this for you.
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