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 following legislation:

The Disability Discrimination Act
The Sex Discrimination Act
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 the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's (NIHE) advice for landlords, using the link below: