Private Tenancies

Private Tenancies

The Environmental Health Department carries out inspections to check whether properties are fit to live in, under The Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (Article 33).

The new system will:

• Provide a better standard of accommodation within the private rented sector in Northern Ireland
• Allow landlords to maximise rent.
• Protected tenants retain their security of tenure.

Landlords who own certain types of properties must apply to the Environmental Health Department for a Certificate of Fitness.

Tenants may also apply if they are concerned that the property they are living in is unfit and built pre 1945, or previously inspected as fit and has deteriorated to an unfit state since the fitness certificate was issued.

Click on the highlighted words for further information on:

• Fitness Inspections
• Properties Exempt from fitness inspections required under the above legislation; and the Impact of the Private Tenancies Order on Existing Regulated and Restricted Tenancies

Download: Landlord Application for Fitness Inspection

Download: Tenant Application for Fitness Inspection

Other features of the new legislation are in relation to:

· Repairing obligations (regardless of age of property)

· Rent book contents for tenancies commencing before and after April 2007

Rent book contents for tenancies commencing before April 2007

Rent book contents for tenancies commencing after April 2007

Outline of Tenancy Terms

Repair obligations for Landlords and Tenants

· Tenancy statements

· Harassment and unlawful eviction

· Private Tenancies - Advice for Landlords

· Private Tenancies - Advice for Tenants

Other useful websites for additional information:

NI Direct provides up to date information the Private Rented Sector and provides information to tenants and landlords on the following matters:

Information for Tenants on private renting

Information for Landlords on letting your property

Landlord and Tenant Obligations

Housing Advice NI provides useful information on Rights when renting

The Department for Social Development website also provides information, guidance and publications on the Private Rented Sector

You can also telephone DSD Housing Division 028 90819507

Magherafelt Advice Services can provide you information in relation to housing and a wide range of other issues.

For further information regarding Private Tenancies contact

Environmental Health Department Tel: 028 79397979

How to contact us

You can contact us in person or in writing at:

Environmental Health Department

Magherafelt District Council

50 Ballyronan Road

Magherafelt

BT45 6EN

Office hours (Monday to Friday): 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm

• by telephone 028 79397979
• by e-mail envhealth@magherafelt.gov.uk
• by fax 028 79397980