Council urges tenants to know their HMO rights

Council urges tenants to know their HMO rights

0:02 AM, 20th February 2025, About 2 months ago

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Belfast City Council is urging potential tenants to understand their rights and responsibilities when looking to rent a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) – which includes respecting their neighbours.

In Belfast, all HMOs must be licensed to ensure safety, quality and proper management.

Since 2019, landlords must obtain a license for each HMO they own, unless a temporary exemption applies.

Respect your neighbours

Chair of the council’s licensing committee, Alderman Jim Rodgers, said: “If you’re thinking about renting an HMO, make sure it is licensed before you sign a contract.

“It means the property complies with the legislation and shows that it is safe, good quality and has suitable facilities for the number of people living there.”

He added: “When you move into an HMO, you also become part of the local community.

“It’s important that, as a tenant, you respect your neighbours, allow the HMO manager to undertake their legal duties and comply with the fire and other safety measures in place to keep you and your new home safe.”

Repair and maintenance issues

Alderman Rodgers is also encouraging landlords to be aware of their responsibilities, including when responding to repair and maintenance issues.

Any works should be done as soon as is reasonably practicable, once the landlord has been notified.

Emergency repairs must be actioned within 24 hours, urgent repairs within four working days and routine repairs within four weeks.

Deposits from tenants at the start of a new lease cannot exceed more than one month’s rent and must be registered with an approved scheme with 28 days of receipt by the landlord.

What landlords need to do

Alderman Rodgers said: “As a council, we want to make sure landlords are clear on what they need to do to comply with HMO regulations and manage their property responsibly.

“The Department for Communities has prepared a code of practice for the management of HMOs and our own team has developed a guide to help landlords with managing any anti-social behaviour.”

An HMO is defined as a main residence shared by three or more individuals from different households, with at least one person paying rent.

Landlords and tenants seeking further advice around HMOs can check the council’s website or call the NIHMO Unit directly on 028 9027 0414.


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