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when everyone has a home

Housing Rights is an independent charity. 
We improve lives by tackling homelessness and housing problems in Northern Ireland.

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Housing advice and information

Housing advice

Advice for tenants and homeowners about how to manage, afford and keep your home.

For professionals

As the leading agency providing advice and information on housing in Northern Ireland, Housing Rights can help other professionals working in housing.

For landlords

Advice for private landlords on how to manage your tenancy and comply with legal requirements

How our advice has helped

mother and son

Preventing Clare's home from being repossessed

Clare contacted us when she was weeks away from repossession after falling into mortgage arrears on a home that was no longer affordable. 

She had experienced tragedy in her life that had resulted in her being unable to work, and therefore unable to pay for her home. 

We successfully helped her navigate the courts, we talked with her lender and we advised her so that she did not lose her home.

Mortgage Mortgage debt
Two men talking

Mediation helps resolve problems in private tenancies

We helped Robert a private renter and his landlord Tim to come to reach a resolution through our housing mediation service. 

Private rented sector
three young people

Housing Rights for Young People, Steven’s story

Steven took on responsibility of caring for his younger siblings and paying the rent when his mum moved out of the home for a while.

Homelessness Benefits

Our services

Housing Mediation Service

Housing Rights' Housing Mediation Service can help solve disputes in private rented tenancies.

It may help you find a solution to your housing problem.

Policy and Research

Our policy work is informed by the experiences of people who contact us for advice. We work on their behalf to secure positive changes to housing legislation, policy and practice in Northern Ireland.

Renters' Voice

Renters' Voice is a project for private renters in Northern Ireland who want to make renting better for everyone.  Our aims are to build a strong voice for private tenants in NI and a culture of tenant participation in development of the Private Rented Sector. 

Latest news

Letting agent handing over keys of a house to new buyers/tenants

Regulation of Letting Agents

Housing Rights works with estate/letting agents across Northern Ireland. Most agents are diligent, conscientious and committed to providing a good service. Unfortunately, we have also encountered agencies where renters are treated appallingly, and the agents themselves act unlawfully.  

29 October 2025
Intentionality Affordability Housing costs Private tenants Tenancy agreement Private rented sector Letting fees Rent Tenancy
Word "Silence" written on paper and torn in half with two hands holding each end

New Pilot Project to Tackle Domestic Abuse and Homelessness supported through NIHE’s Homeless Prevention Fund

Housing Rights has received funding from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) for a bespoke pilot project, designed to provide crucial support for people affected by domestic abuse and homelessness across Northern Ireland.

20 October 2025
Homelessness Homelessness assessment
An older man in a blue checked shirt reads a text on his phone. He looks concerned.

Can a landlord serve notice to quit by text?

Our helpline has experienced an increase in calls from tenants who have received notice to quit by text or email. 

They want to know if this is a valid way to end a tenancy or if they should have received a letter

19 September 2025
Faith Westwood — Practitioner Support Officer
Tenancy agreement Eviction Notice to quit

Current vacancies

Business Support Officer

Salary Scale:  £26,449-£28,094 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Location:  Skainos Centre, Belfast 

Contract type: Part time permanent, 22.25 hrs per week (3 days a week)

Closing date: 10 November 2025 at midday

Learn more