Problems with your landlord - how the council can help

The vast majority of landlords are responsible and fair. In the unlikely event you experience trouble with your landlord, your council has some legal powers it can use to help.

Harassment and unlawful eviction

Harassment and illegal eviction are defined as criminal offences. Your council has the power to prosecute people who commit offences. Environmental Health Officers from the council will investigate complaints and will consider bringing a prosecution where there is enough evidence to indicate that it will be successful and where it is in the public interest.

The council also has powers to prosecute landlords who fail to meet their obligations under the Private Tenancies Order (Northern Ireland) 2006. Such matters include the failure of landlords to provide rent books or a statement of tenancy terms. Where a complaint is received, the council's Environmental Health Officers will try to ensure that the required information is provided.

However, in the case of persistent failure to provide the information a prosecution will be considered.

Please use the links below to get further information:

• Find your local council - (contacts section)
• Nightmare landlords - Housing Advice NI website
• Publications for the private rented sector - DSD website

More useful links

• Safety at home (leisure, home and community section)
• Your rights and responsibilities (government, citizens and rights section)
• Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 - Private Rented Sector - DSD website