Tenancies in Northern Ireland – same rules apply?

Hi, what are agents supposed to provide newbie tenants in Northern Ireland, before and after a tenancy is agreed ?

In England the EICR, gas cert, EPC and How to Rent need to be served BEFORE the tenancy is signed. What about holding deposits? And when the rest of the deposit is paid? Tenancy signed a month ago, with the start date early July.

Got a difficult situation where a friend’s son has entered a tenancy with an agent for a property that will be let to 5 students in total. One AST but they are all listed jointly and severally, but I am not 100% sure the paperwork is 100% in order and everything that should have been sent to ALL of the students equally has been done so.

In regard to the holding fee and deposit this has been paid directly by one of the students. I need to check that he has been given the PI back within the 30 days.

Just want to make sure what the rules are exactly in Northern Ireland to determine if the agent has not done something correctly, before I advise her further.

Thanks,

Reluctant landlord