Holiday let rules in Northern Ireland
From the Causeway Coast to Fermanagh, Northern Ireland has its own system: Tourism NI certification, rates instead of council tax, and its own fire and gas regulations.
Checked against official sources on 26 Sept 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
What's specific to Northern Ireland
Certification before you open
You must be certified by Tourism NI before taking guests, with a statutory inspection every 4 years.
Planning
Using a home as self-catering accommodation may need planning permission. Councils such as Causeway Coast and Glens publish guidance on it.
What applies across Northern Ireland
Tourism NI certification
All self-catering in Northern Ireland must be certified by Tourism NI before it operates, with an inspection every 4 years. The fee is £40 per unit, and operating without a certificate is an offence.
Rates, not council tax
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 second homes premium and no visitor levy.
Read the guidenibusinessinfo: rates for tourist accommodation
Fire safety
The Fire and Rescue Services (NI) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (NI) 2010 require a fire risk assessment. NIFRS publishes a guide for small self-catering premises.
Keep your Northern Ireland holiday let compliant, automatically
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