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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Property and housing
    3. Buying, selling and renting a home
    4. Private renting

    Repairing your home: private tenants

    Responsibilities for repairs should be agreed by the landlord and tenant and set out in the tenancy agreement and the statement of tenancy terms.

    When a landlord is responsible for repairs

    The landlord is always responsible for gas and electrical appliances and furniture safety. If the statement of tenancy terms aren't clear, the landlord is responsible for:

    • the structure and exterior of the property, including exterior paintwork, drains, gutters and external pipes
    • the interior of the property other than matters covered under tenant responsibilities
    • any installations for supplying and using water, gas, electricity and sanitation such as baths, sinks, wash-hand basins and toilets
    • any appliances provided by the landlord under the tenancy using or supplying water, gas and electricity
    • any installations for space heating and water heating
    • any fixtures, fittings and furnishings provided by the landlord under the terms of the tenancy
    • keeping in good repair any common areas or areas required for access
    • keeping any area required for access adequately lit and safe to use

    Tenant's responsibilities

    A tenant is responsible for:

    • taking proper care of the property 
    • fixing any damage to the property caused by the behaviour or negligence of the tenant, members of their household or any other person lawfully visiting or living in the property
    • keeping the interior of the property in reasonable decorative order
    • not carrying out alterations to the property without the landlord’s permission

    Getting advice about repairs

    Responsibility for other repairs depends on what the landlord and tenant agree themselves. If there is a dispute over repairing responsibilities, you should ask for advice:

    • Advice NI
    • Housing Rights 
    • Law Centre (NI) 

    More useful links

    • Safety at home
    • Your rights and responsibilities
    • Housing Executive
    • A guide to repairs for private landlords and tenants

    More useful links

    • Student housing
    • Home and housing options
    • Safety at Home
    • Fire Prevention
    • Tax on property and rental income - HMRC website
    • Planning for buying a home - Money Advice Service website
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    Private renting

    • Different types of rented accommodation
    • Getting help with problems in private rented housing
    • Health and safety in rented accommodation
    • Housing standards in rented accommodation
    • Landlord Registration Scheme
    • Landlords with tenants claiming Universal Credit
    • Living in shared accommodation
    • Private rent and tenancies
    • Problems with your landlord - how the council can help
    • Rent control
    • Renting a home privately
    • Repairing your home: private tenants
    • Set up direct payment for tenant's housing costs to landlords
    • Tenancy Deposit Scheme

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