Are you living in a shared home in North Belfast, or thinking of moving into one? Whether you're a student, a young professional, or just sharing with housemates, it's really important to know your rights when it comes to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Our local council is encouraging all tenants to make sure their shared rental is properly licensed as an HMO, and they've created a fantastic free online guide to help you do just that.
An HMO is generally defined as living accommodation that serves as the main residence for three or more people from more than two different households, where at least one person pays rent. Under current regulations, all HMOs across Northern Ireland must be licensed by their local council.
This licensing isn't just paperwork; it’s a vital safeguard to ensure your home is safe, meets good quality standards, and is well-managed, providing peace of mind for everyone living there.
To help you navigate the world of shared housing, the council has produced an invaluable online resource: 'Know Your Rights – A Guide for HMO Tenants'. This free guide is designed to help everyone across Northern Ireland understand their entitlements and responsibilities when renting an HMO.
You can access this comprehensive guide directly from the council’s website at /HMOtenants.
It's really worth taking a look at this guide, especially if you’re exploring options for your next tenancy. It clarifies your rights as a tenant and, equally important, your landlord’s responsibilities when it comes to shared housing. Since 2019, all landlords operating an HMO are required to have a licence for each property, ensuring it has been assessed as safe and of a good living standard, with appropriate facilities for the number of residents. This licence also assures you that your landlord is operating within the law and has clear procedures for managing tenancy issues, including critical aspects like deposits and notice periods for ending your lease.
Wondering if a property is licensed? It’s simple to check. Just head over to /checkHMOlicence and enter the address into the HMO licence register. This quick check can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
The 'Know Your Rights' guide is incredibly thorough, covering everything from essential pre-tenancy checks you should do before signing a contract, to your own responsibilities as a tenant. It also offers crucial advice on keeping safe at home and how to deal with potential problems such as harassment or unlawful eviction.
Key points to remember include ensuring your deposit is no more than one month’s rent and checking it’s been protected through an approved scheme within 28 days, with a written receipt received within 35 days.
This resource has already proven very popular, and our local HMO team is also on hand to help with any questions you might have. Don't hesitate to reach out to them on 028 9027 0414 or email HMOteam@ for advice and guidance.