Whether you rent from the Housing Executive, a housing association or a private landlord, you have to pay rent in return for living in your home. This section looks at how rent is paid, what you can do if your rent goes up or you can't afford to pay rent.

You may be evicted if you don't pay your rent. Get advice if you think you may fall behind in your payments.

Overview of rent issues

This section gives an introduction to paying rent to your landlord. It explains what rent includes and who has to pay rent. If you don't pay the rent your landlord could evict you. Get advice if you can't afford to pay your rent. More 

Rent in advance

Landlords usually ask tenants to pay their rent at the start of the month. This means that you may have to pay a month’s rent in advance as well as a deposit before you move in to your accommodation. You may be able to get help to cover this rent in advance. More 

Rent increases

As a tenant you pay rent to your landlord in return for living in your home. In certain circumstances it is possible for landlords to increase the rent. This section explains when and how rent can be increased and what you can do if you disagree with the rent increase. More 

Rent arrears

If you do not pay your rent the money you owe is known as rent arrears. If you don't pay the rent your landlord can evict you. You may be able to keep your home if you act quickly. More 

Rent for protected tenancies

Rents for protected tenancies are limited by law. You will usually pay less rent than other tenants. Your rent depends on the type of tenancy you have. More 

Withholding rent

In some circumstances you may wish to withhold your rent to try and force your landlord to do something, or because you have paid out money that the landlord hasn't reimbursed. However, this can be a risky strategy. You could be evicted for not paying your rent. More