Legal requirements
Anyone letting, selling or managing premises must meet the following legislation:
- the Disability Discrimination Order (NI) 2006
- the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976
- the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997
If you are in doubt about anything, you should seek guidance from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and/ or seek legal advice. You can can use the link below to get more information:
What is the landlord responsible for?
A landlord is 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 additional information on landlord responsibilities you should check the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's (NIHE) website, using the link below:
In addition, the landlord is entitled to reasonable access to the property to inspect and carry out repairs.
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 using the links below:
- Information on the Private Tenancies Order - Department for Communities website
- Rent book template - Department for Communities website
- Landlord registration scheme
- Tenancy Deposit Scheme - Introduction for landlords
What is the tenant responsible for?
A tenant is responsible for:
- paying the rent as agreed
- bills for gas, electricity and telephone if this was agreed with the landlord
- keeping the property in a reasonable state of cleanliness and decoration
- making sure that you, members of your household or your visitors do not harass, cause nuisance or annoyance to the occupiers of any neighbouring or adjoining premises
For additional information on tenant obligations you should check the following link:
More useful links
- Rates on rental properties
- Rent officer for Northern Ireland
- Private tenancies - guidance for landlords (Department for Communities website)
- Private tenancies - guidance for tenants (Department for Communities website)
- Repairs - guidance for landlords (Department for Communities website)
- Landlords' Association of Northern Ireland