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When everyone has a home

Housing advice for Northern Ireland

Advice for landlords

Dealing with deposits

A tenancy deposit is the tenant's money and should be returned at the end of the tenancy. The deadline for returning this depends on whether the deposit was protected or not. You can make deductions from this deposit where you have suffered a loss as a result of the tenants' action or inaction. However, a deposit cannot be used to reimburse you against normal wear and tear and any deductions made from the deposit must be justifiable in court.

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Overcrowding in HMOs

You should make sure that your HMO does not become overcrowded. Overcrowding is a serious offence, and you can be issued with an overcrowding notice if the council believes your HMO is or is likely to become overcrowded. There are two different standards used to work out how many people can live in a HMO property.

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Coronavirus advice for landlords

The Landlord Advice NI service has received lots of calls and messages from landlords who are worried about the coronavirus pandemic. Landlords who need advice can contact Landlord Advice on 028 9024 5640, option 5. 

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Thinking of becoming a landlord

Anyone who receives payment to allow someone to live in a property owned by them is a landlord. Even if you're just letting your home to a friend while you travel, you need to comply with the laws surrounding renting. If you are thinking about becoming a landlord, it's important that you become familiar with your legal obligations and understand how much work is involved.

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Help for landlords in Northern Ireland

It's important that you keep up to date with changes in housing legislation, policy and practice to make sure that you are operating within the law. You may wish to consider taking part in an accredited training programme or joining a professional body. This type of training and support could help you deal with any problems that arise with your tenants and help you manage your properties effectively.

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Right to evict

You have a right to begin eviction proceedings against your tenants. In some cases, you may have to have reasons for evicting a tenant. In other cases, you will simply have to follow the correct legal process.

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Calculating and paying housing benefit

The amount of benefits tenants get towards rent will not always match up to the amount of rent you charge. Instead, the amount of benefit paid depends on the size of the claimant's household, their personal circumstances and the area in which they live.

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Filing through Small Claims Court

If your tenants have left the property owing you arrears or have caused substantial damage in the property you can take court action against them. If they owe less than £3000 you can take a case in the Small Claims Court where you will not need a solicitor. Your tenants may also make a small claim against you if they feel you have unfairly kept their deposit.

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The new HMO regime in Northern Ireland

From 1 April 2019 all HMOs in Northern Ireland must be licenced. Local councils are responsible for the HMO licensing scheme. There are several significant changes which will impact on landlords of HMO properties. 

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Registering as a landlord in Northern Ireland

All landlords in Northern Ireland have to submit their details to a central register. Landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation also need to register with the Housing Executive. Landlords should also consider joining an organisation that can provide professional support and advice to landlords.

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