Rights when renting in Northern Ireland

If you rent your home from the Housing Executive or a housing association or you are a leaseholder, you have a legal agreement with your housing provider or freeholder. This gives you rights and responsibilities. If you rent your home from a private landlord or through an agent, you can get advice on our new renting website renting.housingadviceNI.org

Check any agreement you have carefully and ask questions if you're not sure about something. Remember that you may have more rights than you think.If you are unsure about your rights contact an advice agency in your area.

Private tenancies

If you're a private tenant you should check out our new renting website which has loads of information on everything from finding a rented home to your rights as a private tenant.   More

Houses in multiple occupation

You may have extra rights if you share your accommodation with people who aren't family members. Check out our new renting website to find out more about your rights if you live in a House in Multiple Occupation and to get some tips on sharing accommodation successfully.  More

Housing Executive tenancies

Not all Housing Executive tenants have the same protection from eviction. Introductory tenants can be evicted more easily than secure Housing Executive tenants. More

Housing association tenancies

Not all housing association tenants have the same protection from eviction. Introductory tenants can be evicted more easily than secure housing association tenants. More

Student accommodation

This section looks at your rights if you live in accommodation owned by your university or college. You will usually be a licensee and have quite limited rights. More

Leaseholders' rights

Most flat owners are leaseholders. You have to pay ground rent and sometimes a service charge to your freeholder. You may be able to buy the freehold. More

Caravan and mobile home owners

If you live in a caravan or a mobile home on a residential site you have some basic rights which are protected by law. For these rights to apply, you must live on the residential site on a permanent basis and have done so for a period of at least 12 months. More

Ending a tenancy

Private tenants should visit our renting site for advice on ending a tenancy. If you rent your home from the Housing Executive or a housing association and want to end your tenants you must do so properly. If you don't you may still have to pay rent. More

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