What the rules say
Under the Tourism (Northern Ireland) Order 1992 all tourist accommodation, including self-catering, must hold a Tourism NI certificate. Tourism NI inspects the property before certifying it and then every 4 years.
Fire safety is covered by the Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (NI) 2010: you need a fire risk assessment by a competent person. Gas appliances need an annual check under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations (NI) 2004, enforced by HSENI.
There is no council tax in Northern Ireland. Self-catering pays non-domestic rates, through Land and Property Services, unless it is available for short-term letting for fewer than 140 days a year. There is no visitor levy.
The Department for the Economy consulted on modernising the rules for tourist accommodation between October 2025 and January 2026. We will update this guide when the outcome is published.
What to do
- Apply to Tourism NI for certification before you take bookings.
- Complete your fire risk assessment and gas safety check first: the inspector will ask.
- Display your certificate, and add the inspection date here so we remind you before the next one.
Tips from the field
- NIFRS publishes a free fire safety guide for small self-catering premises.
Official sources
- Tourism NI: self-catering certification
- NIFRS: small self-catering premises guide
- nibusinessinfo: rates for tourist accommodation
- Department for the Economy: consultation on tourist accommodation
Costs are typical 2025/26 prices, not official figures. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked 26 Sept 2026.