If you rent your home or are a leaseholder, you have a legal agreement with the landlord or freeholder. This gives you rights and responsibilities. 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.

Your rights and responsibilities

Whatever kind of tenancy you have, whether you rent property from the Housing Executive, a housing association or a private landlord, you and your landlord have certain rights and responsibilities. More

Private tenancies

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. More

Houses in multiple occupation

You may have extra rights if you share your accommodation with people who aren't family members. More

Tenancy agreements

You will normally be given a written tenancy agreement when you move into rented accommodation. Even if you don't get a written tenancy agreement you still have rights. A verbal agreement can count as a tenancy agreement. More

Sharing and subletting

Sharing a home with other people can be great fun, but it's important to choose carefully who you live with, and to check that you understand your rights. 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

Safety issues

This section looks at safety in private rented housing. It covers fire safety, gas and electricity supplies. It explains the protection you may have if you are a private tenant. More

Ending a tenancy

You must bring your tenancy to an end if you want to leave. If you don't end your tenancy properly you may still have to pay rent. More

Back to top