Advice for private tenants

Whether you've lived in the private rented sector for a long time or are considering moving into a rented home, you have certain rights which are protected by law.

It's important to know, not just your rights as a tenant, but also your responsibilities. If you're a landlord, renting out your property to tenants, make sure you know your rights and responsibilities too.

Tenancy agreements

Landlords in Northern Ireland are not obliged to give tenants a tenancy agreement. However, it’s a good idea to ask for a written tenancy agreement so both you and your landlord fully understand your obligations and your rights. A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract. Once you have signed this document, you have committed to pay the rent for the full term of the contract.

Deposits in private tenancies

Most landlords will ask for a security deposit from each tenant in a property. This money is used as insurance against any damage you may cause or rent you may owe at the end of the tenancy. Any deposit paid on or after 1 April 2013 has to be placed in a tenancy deposit protection scheme.

Top tips for renting privately

Victoria, a housing adviser with Housing Rights recently graduated from University. We've asked her what ten things she wishes she'd known when she started out as a private renter.

Renting in Northern Ireland

Renting privately can be a great option for many people. There is a wide range of rented property available. Make sure you know what type of property you need and what area you would like to live in.

Before you sign a tenancy agreement

Once you sign a tenancy agreement, you will usually be expected to keep to the conditions of the agreement until it ends. It's important that you check a few things out before you sign and don't let yourself be rushed into anything.

Taking on a new tenancy

Once you've found somewhere you'd like to live and have agreed the terms with your landlord or agent you can start making plans to move in.

Your rights as a private tenant

All private tenants have some basic legal rights. Your other rights can depend on when your tenancy started and what your tenancy agreement says.

Rent, rates and housing benefit

You must pay rent to your landlord in return for living in the property. If you stop paying your rent, are late with a payment or do not pay in full, your landlord may begin eviction proceedings against you.

Repairs and safety for private tenants

You should report any damage or disrepair to your landlord immediately. It's always a good idea to follow up any reports you make over the phone or in person with a letter so both you and your landlord have a record of any work that needs to be done.

Harassment by landlords

Your landlord may try to force you to move out by harassing you. Your landlord may be doing this so he or she won't have to follow the proper procedure for evicting you. Harassing a tenant is a criminal offence and your landlord could be prosecuted by the local council for trying to force you to leave the property.

Getting to know your neighbourhood

Some people enjoy getting involved in their neighbourhood. You might want to join a residents association or community group or even set one up if you think it would improve the area.

Ending a private tenancy

There are certain steps you need to take to end your tenancy. It can be difficult to get out of a tenancy before the expiry date, even if you have a valid reason for wanting out.

Protected tenancy

Protected tenancies are a type of rent-controlled tenancy. You could be a protected tenant and not be aware of this fact. If you are a protected tenant, the amount of rent that your landlord can legally charge you is restricted.

Links for private tenants

There are a range of organisations which provide advice, guidance and assistance on matters which affect private tenants. If you're experiencing a problem in your rented accommodation, it's essential that you get advice.

Your responsibilities as a private tenant

It's important to be aware of your responsibilities to your landlord. While many of these responsibilities will be explained in your tenancy agreement, there are also certain responsibilities which are outlined in law.

Shared housing and HMOs

Renting a room in a shared house used to be something associated with students or young people. But, this type of renting arrangement is becoming much more common, and many people live in shared housing well past their student years.

A house in multiple occupation, or HMO, is a particular type of rented housing, but not all shared housing will be a HMO. It's important to know if the home you are renting should be classed as a HMO. If it is, it must be licensed and meet extra safety standards.

Housing advice for Northern Ireland

Advice for private tenants

Tenancy agreements

Deposits in private tenancies

Top tips for renting privately

Renting in Northern Ireland

Before you sign a tenancy agreement

Taking on a new tenancy

Your rights as a private tenant

Rent, rates and housing benefit

Repairs and safety for private tenants

Harassment by landlords

Getting to know your neighbourhood

Ending a private tenancy

Protected tenancy

Other problems when renting

Links for private tenants

Your responsibilities as a private tenant

Shared housing and HMOs

Northern Ireland Only

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Housing advice for Northern Ireland

Advice for private tenants