Rented accommodation is available from two main providers: private landlords and social housing providers - namely registered housing associations and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive can tell you about its services and about care homes and supported or sheltered housing in your area. It should also have a list of housing association properties in your area, and can advise you which ones may be suitable.
Depending on the type of tenancy, private landlords will normally rent their property at the market rate and their right to increase the rent will depend on the type of tenancy. Make sure you get a tenancy agreement and read it carefully before committing to it. A private landlord will normally ask for a deposit.
You should make sure that the condition of the property and any items of furniture are recorded in an inventory and the tenancy agreement states:
Further information is available on the Department for Social Development website using the link below:
Student housing can be categorised into accommodation provided by the university or in the private rented sector. A student who accepts accommodation in a university owned residence is regarded as a licensee rather than a tenant and any agreement between the student and the university will be a legally binding contract. Licensees are not afforded the protection of any housing law and will have very limited rights compared to students in the private rented sector.
Most student occupied housing in the private rented sector falls under the definition of Houses in Multiple Occupation. The Housing Executive sets and enforces standards on such properties for fire protection systems and equipment, washing and toilet facilities, kitchen facilities and space standards.
Sheltered housing properties have generally been built for older people and/or disabled people. The accommodation is usually self-contained flats or bungalows.
They often have an alarm call system and a warden who visits regularly, or lives on the premises. For more information, please use the link below to access the NIHE website, 'supporting people' section where you can find a directory of sheltered housining in Northern Ireland:
Housing associations offer 'not for profit' social housing and normally have a variety of housing. Some of it is specially designed for people with physical disabilities.
Housing associations may also be able to adapt their properties to meet their tenants' needs, including the need for sheltered housing. For more information please check the links below:
Property and housing
