Renting a room

If you are renting or thinking of renting a room in someone's home, there are some important issues to be aware of. It's worthwhile finding out what the issues are and being aware of your rights.

Rights and obligations

Whether you are a landlord or tenant, it is vital that you are aware of your legal rights and obligations.

The law protects both parties and does not permit you to take the law into your own hands - irrespective of the circumstances.

A resident landlord letting is where the landlord and the tenant live in the same building. This includes conversions where they live in different parts of the same property (however long ago the property was converted).

Anyone letting, selling or managing premises must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, the Sex Discrimination Act and the Race Relations Act.

If you are in doubt about anything, seek legal advice.

What's the landlord responsible for?

  • repairs to the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water systems, basins, sinks, baths and other sanitaryware
  • the safety of gas and electrical appliances
  • the fire safety of furniture and furnishings provided under the tenancy
  • ensuring that the property is fit for habitation
  • repairing and keeping in working order the room and water heating equipment
  • the common areas in multi-occupancy dwellings

For more information, please check NIHE advice for landlords, using the link below:

The landlord is also obliged under the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, to provide the tenant with a rent book free of charge and a statement of tenancy terms within 28 days of the tenancy commencing.

Landlords can find out more about the Private Tenancies Order 2006 from the Department for Social Development (DSD).

What's the tenant responsible for?

  • paying the rent as agreed and taking proper care of the property
  • bills for gas electricity, telephone, etc if this was agreed with your landlord

For more information please check NIHE advice for tenants using the link below:

Further information is available on the Department for Social Development website using the link below :

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