This information is for private 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.
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.