COVID-19 Guidance for Private Rented Sector Landlords and Tenants is available to explain protection to private renters during the coronavirus crisis, including new laws which have been introduced to give more protection. Landlords must give tenants at least 12 weeks’ notice to quit before applying for a court order to secure any eviction.
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