Not all private tenants have the same rights. Your tenancy agreement usually outlines what your rights are. Your tenancy agreement can't take away your basic rights.

Most people who rent are private tenants. However, you could also be a protected tenant or a licensee. Your rights will depend on the type of tenancy you have.

Checking the tenancy type

Most people who rent privately are tenants. However, some people are licensees. Tenants usually have more legal rights than licensees, so it is important to know whether you are a tenant or a licensee. More  

Your responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for paying rent and taking care of the accommodation. Your responsibilities vary depending on the type of tenancy you have, or if you share accommodation with your landlord. More  

Landlord's responsibilities

Your tenancy agreement outlines your landlord's responsibilities. Private landlords must allow their tenants to live peacefully in the accommodation, carry out some repairs and follow the proper legal procedures to evict the tenant. More  

Your basic rights

The law gives you certain basic rights depending on the tenancy you have. Your tenancy agreement may give you more rights than these basic legal rights. Protected tenants may have more rights than other tenants. More

Protected tenancies

Protected tenants have more rights than other private tenants. Protected tenants usually have lower rents than other tenants. More  

All other tenancies

Most tenancies in Northern Ireland are in this category. These tenants usually have fewer rights than protected tenants. Rent is usually higher. Your tenancy agreement should outline your rights and responsibilities. More  

Rent books

Your landlord must give you a rent book. The rent book must contain certain information. If your tenancy began after 1 April 2007, your landlord must give you a rent book to keep within 28 days of the tenancy starting. More  

Licensees

If you are a licensee you have very few tenancy rights. You don't have the same basic rights as a tenant. It is very easy for your landlord to evict you. It is often more difficult to get repairs carried out or challenge rent increases. More  

Tenancy statements

If your tenancy began after 1 April 2007, you must be provided with a tenancy statement by your landlord within 28 days. If you haven't received this, contact your local council. The tenancy statement should be provided in addition to the tenancy agreement and the rent book and must be free of charge. More  

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