This information is for private landlords. Private tenants can find information and advice here.
Landlords can get advice, resources and training from a range of organisations. These agencies can help you keep up to date on changes to legislation in the private rented sector.
You may need to become a member to access some of these services.
If you plan to be a landlord in the long term, you should:
- consider joining a professional body
- undergo accredited training
Housing Rights
Housing Rights is a specialist in housing advice, law and policy in Northern Ireland.
The organisation operates a housing helpline and a landlord helpline free of charge.
It also provides training on a range of housing issues, including:
- renting privately
- antisocial behaviour
- houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)
- housing benefit and universal credit
Housing Rights' members can get discounts on training and events.
Landlords Association for Northern Ireland
The Landlords Association for Northern Ireland (LANI) represents private landlords in Northern Ireland.
LANI aims to:
- promote high standards in managing privately rented accommodation
- engage with government bodies and represent the interests of landlords
- alert members to the implications of changing legislation
Members can get help, information and attend events for free.
Local councils in Northern Ireland
Local councils are responsible for a range of housing issues, including:
- fitness standards
- fitness certificates
- harassment and illegal eviction
- enforcing legislation affecting tenants and landlords
The environmental health departments within the councils carry out this role.
Belfast City Council is responsible for licensing all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
The Department for Communities
The Department for Communities is responsible for housing in Northern Ireland. This includes developing new laws and regulations for the private rented sector.
Their website includes:
- information on legislative requirements
- public consultations on changes to laws
- a free newsletter for private landlords
Other organisations that can help
The organisations below can help with other aspects of being a landlord:
Gas Safe Register
The Gas Safe Register is a list of registered engineers who are authorised to carry out checks on gas appliances and installations
Landlord Registration Scheme
The Scheme records and maintains accurate information on private landlords and their properties.
Land & Property Services
Land & Property Services deals with rates and Rate Rebate applications for domestic properties.
NI Business Info
NI Business Info offers advice for commercial landlords operating in Northern Ireland.
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Council operates the HMO licensing scheme for all Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE)
The NIHE deals with Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payments and grants.
Rent Register
The Rent Register lists all known protected and rent-controlled tenancies in Northern Ireland.
Smartmove Housing
Smartmove Housing works with private landlords to provide affordable rented accommodation to people who are homeless.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland
The Law Society of Northern Ireland is the professional body for solicitors in Northern Ireland. It has a directory of solicitors practising in Northern Ireland.
The Property Ombudsman
This is a voluntary scheme that can help with complaints against estate and letting agents who are members.