Thinking About Becoming A Landlord In Northern Ireland?

Things You Should Know…

When you become a Landlord you must be prepared to take on various legal responsibilities from how your manage your tenants to legal registers and safety regulations.

Knowing and understanding your obligations will ensure both you and your tenants are protected.

During the recent Covid Pandemic the Government introduced legislation to protect the rights of tenants.  The effect of this is that Landlords must give a minimum of 12 weeks notice to quit before applying to Court for an Order for eviction.  Your tenant may be willing to leave the property before the expiry of 12 the 12 weeks notice period.  Engaging in conversation with your tenant through your appointed agent or directly can often remedy disputes without the need for formal Court action.

What are my Responsibilities as a Landlord?

In relation to the rented property a Landlord must ensure the property provides basic amenities which includes running water (hot and cold), basins, washing facilities such as a bath or shower and sanitaryware bathroom facilities.  The property must be in good order and fit for habitation.

• If the property contains Gas fuelled items such as heating, boilers, fires, cookers or any other gas application you must ensure the safety of these items.  These appliances and goods require to be serviced by a regulated Gas Engineer.  You must retain proof of any inspections and services in your records for the property.
• If you provide a furnished letting to your tenant the furniture must be fit for purpose and must be fire safe.  Fire safe labels should be retained.

For further information on Landlords and Tenant obligations visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles.landlord-and-tenant-obligations

Receiving Rents

It is a good idea to appoint a Property Manager or Agent to manage your property as they will be aware of all the latest guidance regards the tenancy and legal obligations.

If you prefer you can manage the property yourself.

• You will be required to provide your tenant with a rent book.
• Any tenancy deposits paid must be held and registered with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.  The scheme was set up to protect deposits paid by Tenants.  Any proved costs in relation to damage to the property caused by tenants and be deducted from these monies. 

For further guidance visit

www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/private-tenancies-guide-private-landlords-and-tenants

Multiple Occupation Houses in NI

If you rent a property to more than two persons who are not related or from the same household your must obtain consent to rent the property as a multi occupancy dwelling. This is known as an HMO ‘Houses in Multiple Occupation. 

New licensing laws to govern such properties were brought into operation on 1 April 2019 bringing into operation the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.  Local Councils across Northern Ireland took on the responsibility to govern these properties inline with this legislation.

You must apply to your local Council to have obtain a licence to rent your property as an HMO. 

These licences require annual fees to be paid to the Council.  You should consider these costs when assessing the overall costs of your property.

When considering these applications the Council may consider the availability and impact upon planning control, amenities in the area, parking and the potential for anti-social behaviour, whether the property is fit for the intended purpose as an HMO and whether the owner and or managing agents are fit an proper persons.

Where a licence is granted by the Council the property must be maintained inline with the licence any breach by the owner or agent could result in the variance or removal of the licence, a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.

For more information on registering a property as a HMO visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/nihmo or contact your local council.