The Tenancy Terms Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007

Regulation 2

SCHEDULE Additional information to be included in every statement of tenancy terms supplied in connection with premises let under a private tenancy

General

1.  Your tenancy is not a protected or statutory tenancy within the meaning of the Rent (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. You have the protection of the legal rights described below but other terms and conditions of your tenancy are a matter for agreement between you and your landlord.

Repairs

2.  Your landlord is obliged to keep in repair all gas fittings, flues and installations. Your landlord must also provide you with a copy of the record of the required safety checks made in relation to gas appliances or flues, or, in certain circumstances, display prominently in the dwelling-house a copy of that record. Responsibility for other repairs is determined by your tenancy agreement but you can get help from the environmental health department of your local council for some items of disrepair.

Fitness for human habitation

3.  A dwelling-house built before 6 November 1956 which is let under a private tenancy commencing after the introduction of the Order and which is not a prescribed dwelling-house and in respect of which there is no current certificate of fitness must be inspected by the district council to ascertain if it is fit for human habitation. Where a dwelling-house does not meet the fitness standard it is subject to rent control and an appropriate rent will be determined by the Rent Officer for Northern Ireland.

Rent Book

4.  All private tenants have a legal right to a rent book. Your district council has powers to take legal action where this requirement is not complied with.

Notice to quit

5.  A notice to quit must give at least 4 weeks written notice of the date on which it is to take effect.

Illegal eviction and harassment

6.  It is an offence for your landlord or anyone acting on his behalf to harass you or your household or illegally evict you. This could include interfering with your home or your possessions or cutting off services such as water or electricity with the intention of making you leave your home. Your local council has powers to take legal action should any of these occur.

Security of tenure

7.  You cannot be evicted from your tenancy without a possession order issued by a Court of Law, although you may be liable for legal costs incurred if an Order is issued.

Rent and rates

8.  You are entitled to apply for help with the payment of your rent and rates through Housing Benefit, which is a Social Security benefit paid by the Housing Executive. You may also be entitled to rate relief or rates exemption. For further information contact your local Housing Executive office or the Rates Collection Agency.

Further information

9.  If you would like independent advice or information on your rights and obligations you should contact a solicitor, or Housing Rights Service (telephone number [phone]), or Advice NI, (telephone number [phone]) which will be able to give you details of your local independent advice centre, or your local Citizens Advice Bureau (see the telephone directory for details).