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If you rent from a private landlord, you and your landlord have certain rights and responsibilities.
Your landlord must give you:
- a rent book
- a tenancy statement
- an energy performance certificate
Ask your landlord for these documents. If you have any problems, call us on 028 9027 0428.
Your landlord must also be a registered landlord. To check your landlord and their property is registered, go to nidirect (link opens in new window).
Northern Ireland has a tenancy deposit scheme. From 1 April 2013, any deposit for a private tenancy taken by a landlord or agent must be protected in an approved tenancy deposit scheme.
Certain rented houses require a fitness inspection. If you want to make a complaint on fitness, disrepair or damp in your property, call us on 028 9027 0428.
For advice on houses of multiple occupancy (more than three unrelated people sharing), call us on 028 9027 0428, or email [email protected].
If your house has gas appliances or flues, your landlord must provide you with a copy of the annual gas safety check. For further advice on gas, contact the Health and Safety Executive's free gas advice line on 0800 300 363, or visit the Health and Safety Executive website (link opens in new window).
Unlawful eviction and harassment
If you have lived in your rented home for less than five years and a landlord wants you to leave your property, they must give you 28 days' notice in writing. The landlord must not change the locks without obtaining a court order.
If they make you leave the home by interfering with gas, electricity, water, making threats, or frequently entering the property without consent, it is harassment. If you are worried about eviction or harassment, call 028 9027 0428.
Condensation
Condensation, mould and damp is a common problem particularly in older houses. It may be seen as water droplets on windows or patches of mould on walls, furnishings and clothes.
You can take steps to treat mould or condensation in your home and prevent its recurrence. Check the Energy Saving Trust's advice on Fixing damp and condensation (link opens in new window).
Fire safety
Make sure you:
- have a working smoke alarm
- test your smoke alarm every week
- have and practice a fire escape plan
- know the five main causes of house fire
- check your fire extinguishers on the day you move in – alert your landlord if they have been used at all, this will benefit your safety plus you will not be held accountable at the end of the year when deposits are being returned.
- check for a fire blanket
Before you go to bed:
- close all internal doors
- put out cigarettes and candles properly
- check that the cooker is off
- switch off electrical appliances
For more information, call 028 9066 4221 or visit the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (link opens in new window). Landlords must make sure furniture and electrical items they supply are safe and meet relevant fire safety requirements. Students can contact us on 028 9027 0431 if they have concerns about how fire-resistant furnishings.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell, colour or taste. It can be released by any appliance that burns oil, solid fuel, wood or gas, including boilers.
When you inhale carbon monoxide, it starves your body of oxygen. Low level exposure over a long period can cause permanent brain damage and in more serious cases, death.
Make sure you are aware of the symptoms and how to protect yourself and your housemates. You should also install a carbon monoxide detector.
If you think there are carbon monoxide fumes in your home or suspect that a flue or heating appliance is blocked or faulty, you should switch off the appliance and open your window. You should not sleep in the room.
We can investigate complaints regarding fumes or carbon monoxide entering your property. Call us on 028 9027 0428 for more information.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning (link opens in new window).
Pest control
If you're having trouble with pests, call us on 028 9027 0431 for advice or go to pest control.
Household bins and recycling in student houses
Bins
It is important that you put your general waste bin and your recycling bin or boxes out for collection. If you don't, you could attract rats and mice to your home. If you don't have a general waste bin, ask your landlord to get you one.
If you live in a shared house (a house of multiple occupancy has more than two unrelated people sharing) and the landlord refuses to supply you with a bin, you should contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
To make sure your bin is collected:
- put your bin out by 7am
- make sure the lid closes
- don't put rubbish bags beside the bin or on top of the bin
Recycling
Recycling facilities are available for Queen's University students living in Queen's Elms, Guthrie House, College Gardens and Mount Charles halls of residence. If you live in private rented accommodation in areas such as the Lisburn Road, Stranmillis, the Holylands, or Botanic Avenue area, you will have kerbside recycling boxes.
Knowing what to do with your waste and recycling is very important. Follow these steps to recycle:
- Order the right bins and boxes for all your waste and recycling.
- Check what can be recycled with the Binovation app.
- Sort your recycling correctly.
- Leave bins and boxes at your collection point by 7am on collection day.
- Bring them back in again once your collection has taken place.
Find out more about which items you can recycle and the location of our recycling centres.
If you are caught littering or dumping rubbish, you get will get a £80 fixed penalty notice. If you don't remove this rubbish from your property, we could prosecute you in court. If convicted, the court can fine you up to £5,000.