Renting from a private landlord

Many people choose to rent their home from a private landlord. All private landlords must be registered with our Landlords Registration Scheme, which helps make sure homes are safe and well managed.

You can find private rented homes through letting agents, estate agents, local adverts or community noticeboards. Students can also contact their college or university accommodation service for support.

Deposits and fees

Most landlords ask for a deposit when you move in. This is usually the same as one month’s rent, and the law says it cannot be more than two months' rent. The deposit covers any damage during your tenancy that is not normal wear and tear.

It is illegal for anyone to charge you for:

adding your name to an accommodation list
granting a tenancy
preparing a tenancy agreement

If you are asked to pay any of these charges, you should get advice.

Your rights and responsibilities

The Housing and Property Chamber provides clear, independent advice for both tenants and landlords. You can find information about:

what landlords must do
what tenants must do
how to deal with problems during a tenancy