Legal requirements
If you let, sell or manage rented property, you must follow:
- the Disability Discrimination Order (NI) 2006
- the Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976
- the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997
If you need guidance:
- contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
- get legal advice
- Equality Commision for Northern Ireland
Landlord's responsibilities
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
The landlord is entitled to go into the property to inspect and carry out repairs.
Tenancy deposit
The landlord must give the tenant a rent book and a statement of tenancy terms within 28 days of the tenancy starting. They're also responsible for protecting the tenant's deposit in a tenancy deposit scheme.
Tenant's responsibilities
A tenant is responsible for:
- paying the rent
- 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