🏷️ Tourism NI Certification MANDATORY

Register and pass inspection with Tourism NI. Certificate valid for 4 years.

Applied online & paid fee
Property meets minimum standards

🔥 Fire Safety & Risk Assessment MANDATORY

Complete a written fire risk assessment, provide alarms, clear escape routes, and guest info.

Written Fire RA + review annually
Escape plan & signage in Welcome Book

🧯 Alarms (Smoke/Heat/CO)

Fit smoke/heat alarms (preferably interlinked) and CO alarms wherever fuel-burning appliances exist.

Tested on changeover; log kept

⚙️ Gas & ⚡ Electrical Safety

Annual Gas Safe check (if gas). Keep electrics safe; 5-year EICR strongly recommended/insurer-friendly.

CP12 (gas) in date
EICR & PAT (where applicable)

🪑 Furniture & Furnishings

All provided items must meet fire-resistance regulations (labels intact).

Soft furnishings checked & logged

🧪 Legionella (Water Safety)

Complete a simple written Legionella risk assessment and put low-risk controls in place.

RA done & reviewed (≤2 years)
Flush outlets between long gaps

📝 Planning & Rates

Planning permission may be needed (change of use). Tourist accommodation can be liable for business rates.

Council planning check completed
LPS rates position confirmed

🛡️ Insurance

Short-term let/public liability cover (hosts & contents). Many insurers ask for Fire RA, EICR, gas certs.

Policy explicitly covers STR/Airbnb

📺🎶 TV & Music Licences

TV provided? Ensure the correct TV licence. Communal music use may need TheMusicLicence (PPL PRS).

TV licence checked (hotel/MU if needed)

🔐 Data & Guest Records

Keep a guest register (16+, name & nationality, 12 months). If using CCTV, add signage and pay ICO data fee (unless exempt). Publish a privacy notice.

Privacy notice live
CCTV signs & ICO fee (if applicable)

🚛 Waste & Neighbours

Commercial waste arrangements where required; be proactive on noise/parking & include house rules.

House rules posted in-home & listing

💷 Tax & Records

Register for Self Assessment; keep records for HMRC. Consider capital allowances where eligible.

Income & expenses tracked monthly

Northern Ireland Short-Term Let Requirements & Checklist