Tenants urged to know their rights and responsibilities when renting an HMO property

Belfast City Council is reminding prospective tenants about the importance of knowing their rights and responsibilities when renting a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

An HMO is defined as living accommodation which is the main residence

for three or more people from more than two different households, where at least one person pays the rent.

Under current regulations, all HMOs in the Belfast area must be licensed by the council to make sure they are safe, good quality and well managed.

Since 2019, all landlords who operate an HMO must have a licence from their local council, for each HMO they own, to continue renting it to multiple tenants (unless a temporary exemption notice is in effect).

Alderman Jim Rodgers, Chair of the council’s Licensing Committee, says tenants should always check if an HMO is licensed.

He 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.

“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.”

Tenants can check if a property is licensed by visiting belfastcity.gov.uk/checkhmolicence and entering the address in the HMO licence register.

Alderman Rodgers is also encouraging landlords to be aware of their own responsibilities, including making sure that all reasonable and practical steps are taken to respond to any repair and maintenance issues.

Any works needed to deal with repairs should be done as soon as is reasonably practicable, once notified. Emergency repairs should 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, by landlords, with an approved scheme with 28 days of receipt.

Tenants who don’t receive notification that their deposit has been secured within 35 days of payment can contact the council at envhealth@belfastcity.gov.uk or call 028 9027 0428.

“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 in order to support their tenants,” said Alderman Rodgers.

“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.

“Both are available on our website – belfastcity.gov.uk/NIHMO – and our team are also on hand to provide advice on any questions you may have.”

Landlords and tenants seeking further advice around HMOs can contact the council’s NIHMO Unit directly on 028 9027 0414 or email nihmo@belfastcity.gov.uk