Skip to main content

Search Housing Rights

Useful information for landlords

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. 

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 longer 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 provides training on a range of housing issues including: 

  • renting privately  
  • antisocial behaviour 
  • houses in multiple occupation  
  • 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

Environmental health departments in 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 

Belfast City Council is responsible for licensing houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).

NI Direct have a full list of councils and their contact details.  

The Department for Communities

This is the government department responsible for the private rented sector in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Communities’ 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 

Landlord Registration Scheme

The Landlord Registration 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. 

Legislation.gov.uk

The legislation.gov.uk database has up to date legislation on all aspects of the private rented sector. 

NI Business Info

NI Business Info offers advice for commercial landlords operating in Northern Ireland.

NI Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

NI Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) within Belfast City Council administers the regulation of HMOs on behalf of all 11 councils.

Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE)

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (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 in partnership with private landlords to help tenants find affordable rented accommodation. 

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has a directory of solicitors practising in Northern Ireland. 

The Property Ombudsman

The Property Ombudsman is a voluntary ombudsman scheme that can help with complaints against estate and letting agents who are members. 

Was this page helpful?
We are so happy you found the information you need! Tell us why you found this page useful, so we can keep improving our service...

We're sorry you did not find this page useful. Please take a moment to tell us why so we can keep improving our service.

We cannot reply to questions on this page. If you need housing advice, speak to an adviser.

Actions

Report a problem with this page

Help us improve housingrights.org.uk

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.