17/09/2025
BCC Launches New Guide To Tenants' Rights Launched
Belfast City Council has launched a new online guide to help tenants understand their rights when renting a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).
The guide, titled 'Know your rights – a guide for HMO tenants', is particularly relevant as students prepare to return to university for Freshers' Week.
An HMO is defined as a property that is the main residence for at least three people from more than two different households, with at least one person paying rent.
The guide covers all aspects of renting an HMO, from pre-tenancy checks and responsibilities during occupancy to regulations on ending tenancies, including notice periods and deposits. It also provides information on landlord responsibilities, such as providing adequate security and maintaining the property to minimum standards.
Councillor Arder Carson, Deputy Chair of the council's Licensing Committee, stressed the importance of checking that a property is licensed before signing a contract. He explained that an HMO licence provides assurance that a property meets necessary safety and quality standards.
The guide also offers advice on dealing with issues like harassment and unlawful eviction, and details the rights of property managers to access the property for inspections or repairs.
Councillor Carson encouraged all HMO tenants to use the guide, saying it could be "invaluable" in helping them to resolve difficulties or disputes with their landlord.
Landlords and tenants seeking further advice around HMOs can contact the council's NIHMO Unit directly on 028 9027 0414 or email nihmo@belfastcity.gov.uk
'Know your rights – a guide for HMO tenants' is available online at belfastcity.gov.uk/HMOTenants
The guide, titled 'Know your rights – a guide for HMO tenants', is particularly relevant as students prepare to return to university for Freshers' Week.
An HMO is defined as a property that is the main residence for at least three people from more than two different households, with at least one person paying rent.
The guide covers all aspects of renting an HMO, from pre-tenancy checks and responsibilities during occupancy to regulations on ending tenancies, including notice periods and deposits. It also provides information on landlord responsibilities, such as providing adequate security and maintaining the property to minimum standards.
The guide also offers advice on dealing with issues like harassment and unlawful eviction, and details the rights of property managers to access the property for inspections or repairs.
Councillor Carson encouraged all HMO tenants to use the guide, saying it could be "invaluable" in helping them to resolve difficulties or disputes with their landlord.
Landlords and tenants seeking further advice around HMOs can contact the council's NIHMO Unit directly on 028 9027 0414 or email nihmo@belfastcity.gov.uk
'Know your rights – a guide for HMO tenants' is available online at belfastcity.gov.uk/HMOTenants
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2025
BCC Reminds Tenants Of HMO Licensing Regulations
Belfast City Council is reminding prospective tenants of the importance of checking if a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) is licensed before signing a tenancy agreement. An HMO is defined as a property shared by three or more people from more than two separate households, where at least one person pays rent.
BCC Reminds Tenants Of HMO Licensing Regulations
Belfast City Council is reminding prospective tenants of the importance of checking if a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) is licensed before signing a tenancy agreement. An HMO is defined as a property shared by three or more people from more than two separate households, where at least one person pays rent.
12 September 2024
Students Reminded To Ensure HMO Status Of Their Rental Home
As university students begin to return to Belfast ahead of the new term starting, tenants of shared houses have been urged to make sure their houses are licensed as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). Belfast City Council is also encouraging those already occupying an HMO to get in touch if they have any concerns about their accommodation.
Students Reminded To Ensure HMO Status Of Their Rental Home
As university students begin to return to Belfast ahead of the new term starting, tenants of shared houses have been urged to make sure their houses are licensed as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs). Belfast City Council is also encouraging those already occupying an HMO to get in touch if they have any concerns about their accommodation.
22 October 2019
Glass Of Thrones Guide Released
Fans of Game of Thrones have been given another way to explore the fantasy series with the launch of a visitor guide spotlighting the Glass of Thrones trail in Belfast. It's no secret the Province is proud to be the home of the world's biggest TV show, which finished screening in May of this year.
Glass Of Thrones Guide Released
Fans of Game of Thrones have been given another way to explore the fantasy series with the launch of a visitor guide spotlighting the Glass of Thrones trail in Belfast. It's no secret the Province is proud to be the home of the world's biggest TV show, which finished screening in May of this year.
23 September 2004
House buyers and sellers should shop around says TSS
The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is advising Northern Ireland’s house buyers and sellers to shop around for an estate agent following the publication of the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) new guide to buying and selling a home.
House buyers and sellers should shop around says TSS
The Trading Standards Service (TSS) is advising Northern Ireland’s house buyers and sellers to shop around for an estate agent following the publication of the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) new guide to buying and selling a home.
03 February 2004
Guide dog charity open Dungannon Branch
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has launched a new fundraising branch in the Dungannon area. With the support of the local community, the new Branch is organising a Dogathon (sponsored dog walk) to take place on Saturday 12th June in Dungannon Park.
Guide dog charity open Dungannon Branch
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has launched a new fundraising branch in the Dungannon area. With the support of the local community, the new Branch is organising a Dogathon (sponsored dog walk) to take place on Saturday 12th June in Dungannon Park.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.