If you're facing eviction and have nowhere to go, contact a local advice agency as soon as you can. An adviser can check whether your landlord is following the rules - if they're not, the eviction could be illegal. The Housing Executive has a legal duty to give housing advice and information on preventing homelessness to anyone who asks in Northern Ireland. Even if your landlord has acted lawfully, it's sometimes possible to stop or delay the eviction.

If your landlord snoops around your house, threatens you, or comes round unannounced, they may be guilty of harassment. If a landlord is trying to force you to leave by doing things like this, it's probably a criminal offence. The council may be able to help.

If you're worried about gas, fire, or electrical safety in your home, don't take risks. Find out what your landlord's responsibilities are, and make sure your landlord complies. If your home is in need of repair, your options will depend on whether you rent from a private landlord, the Housing Executive or a housing association.

If your landlord has unfairly kept your deposit, make sure you understand your rights. It's always best to negotiate first, but if that doesn't work you can take your landlord to court. It's quite straightforward and some landlords pay up as soon as they realise you're serious.