Chimney sweep / solid-fuel appliance service in Northern Ireland
Good practice for landlords in Northern Ireland: no certificate or interval is fixed by law, and every 12 months is the usual rhythm. It applies to rented properties that are not HMOs, and with a solid-fuel appliance (a stove or open fire), and should be done by a suitably competent person.
At a glance
- How often
- Every 12 months
- Who does it
- A suitably competent person
- Applies to
- Rented properties that are not HMOs, and with a solid-fuel appliance (a stove or open fire)
- Legal status
- Good practice: no certificate or interval is fixed by law
Common questions
How often should the chimney sweep / solid-fuel appliance service be done in Northern Ireland?
No interval is fixed by law in Northern Ireland. Every 12 months is the usual good practice. Beamwise keeps the date on your register, but only sends reminders for what the law requires.
Who is responsible for the chimney sweep / solid-fuel appliance service?
The landlord is responsible for arranging it. The work itself should 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 with a solid-fuel appliance (a stove or open fire).
Is it a legal requirement?
No certificate or fixed interval is required by law for this in Northern Ireland, so Beamwise treats it as good practice and never chases it. No statutory sweeping duty for a single let in Northern Ireland; an annual sweep is good practice. A CO alarm is required by law where there is a solid-fuel appliance. For HMOs, annual flue cleaning is a licence condition.
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
- Certificate of fitness (pre-1945 property)
- 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
- Legionella risk assessment
- Oil boiler service
- Rent increases: frequency and notice
Keep it beside the dates the law does fix.
Beamwise keeps this date on your register, next to the requirements it reminds you about before they run out. Free for your first property.