Renting a home

The rights and responsibilities of people who rent from private landlords or housing associations.

Overview of the rights, duties and obligations of private landlords and housing associations.

Fixed-term and periodic tenancies: security of tenure under Part 4 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

There are detailed rules governing the review and raising of private rents.

In general, tenants are legally entitled to a rent book, which records the rent paid and must contain specific information.

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities. Under the scheme, rent is paid directly to private landlords and you pay a weekly contribution to your local authority.

Describes the rules on tax relief for private tenants, which is being phased out. Also covers the requirement to deduct tax from your rent payments if your landlord lives abroad, unless you pay rent through an agent.

Landlords are legally obliged to ensure that their properties comply with minimum physical standards as set out in Regulations.

The rules that private landlords and housing associations must comply with when ending a residential tenancy.

The Residential Tenancies Board provides a dispute resolution service for landlords and tenants in private rented accommodation and housing association tenancies.

This document explains the position of tenants who live in their landlord's home. There are different rules, depending on whether or not your accommodation is self-contained.

Private landlords and housing associations must register residential tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board.

The Residential Tenancies Board maintains a register of private rented tenancies and housing association tenancies and provides a dispute resolution service.

During the COVID-19 emergency period, extra rules are in place to protect tenants.