Dealing with Harassment in Shared Housing in Northern Ireland

If you are living in shared housing or a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Northern Ireland and experience harassment, you are not alone—and you have rights and options for support. Harassment in shared housing can come from another tenant, a lodger, or occasionally from a landlord, and should never be tolerated. This guide explains what constitutes harassment, your legal protections, and practical steps to help you address the issue swiftly and safely while living in Northern Ireland.

What Is Harassment in Shared Housing?

In the context of renting, harassment means any act by a landlord, their agent, or another tenant that makes you feel unsafe, threatens your right to live peacefully in your home, or pressures you to leave. Under Northern Ireland's laws, harassment can include:

• Repeated unwanted visits or calls to your home
• Verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation
• Withholding essential services (like water, heating, or power)
• Unauthorised entry to your room or shared areas
• Deliberately making your living conditions uncomfortable

Everyone renting in a shared property in Northern Ireland is protected under the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006^[1] and the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016^[2]. These laws make it illegal for anyone to harass or illegally evict you from your home.

Immediate Steps to Take if You’re Being Harassed

If you’re experiencing harassment in your shared accommodation, taking action—and documenting every incident—can make a significant difference:

• Keep detailed records: Write down times, dates, and details of each harassment incident. Note any witnesses.
• Save written evidence: Keep relevant texts, emails, or notes you receive.
• Inform your landlord or agent: If the issue involves another tenant, let your landlord or letting agent know in writing. They may be obligated to intervene under HMO licensing rules.
• Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive: For guidance, contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), which provides advice, mediates disputes, and supports tenants facing harassment.
• Report immediate danger: If you feel threatened or unsafe, contact the police right away by calling 999.

If you are not sure what to do next, seek free confidential advice from NIHE or the Housing Rights service before taking action.

Who Handles Housing Disputes in Northern Ireland?

The Rent Assessment Committee, Northern Ireland is the main official body for resolving tenant-landlord disputes in Northern Ireland, including issues of eviction, rent, and sometimes harassment.

Official Forms for Complaints and Action

• Allegation of Harassment or Illegal Eviction (Form HAR1):
  If you believe your landlord or someone acting for them is harassing you or unlawfully asking you to leave, use the NIHE Allegation of Harassment or Illegal Eviction (Form HAR1). Submit this form to the NIHE for investigation and enforcement support.
  Example: If your landlord repeatedly visits late at night or cuts off utilities, fill in HAR1 and send it to the NIHE for urgent attention.
• HMO Complaint Form:
  For issues specific to licensing, safety or occupant behaviour in a registered HMO, use the NIHE HMO Complaint Form.
  Example: If another tenant’s behaviour is making it impossible to live peacefully, or if the property is not being managed safely, use this form to notify the authorities.

Once submitted, NIHE will contact you to discuss your situation and may launch an investigation, support mediation, or involve local council enforcement if laws are being broken.

What Will Happen After You Make a Complaint?

After lodging a complaint:

• The NIHE or your local council will investigate and, if necessary, take action against those responsible.
• If harassment is proven, offenders could face prosecution, fines, or be barred from managing rental properties.
• You may receive help finding safer accommodation, especially if your safety is at risk.

In many cases, early intervention helps resolve disputes before they escalate. Support is also available for moving, legal advice, and further complaint escalation if needed.

Your Rights under Northern Ireland Tenancy Law

The Private Tenancies Order and the HMO Act guarantee:

• Your right to live in the property undisturbed
• Protection from unlawful eviction or harassment
• Access to fair dispute resolution through official tribunals
• Clear, written notice before legal eviction can occur

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What counts as harassment in shared housing?
   Harassment includes repeated threats, verbal abuse, unauthorised entry to your space, intimidation, cutting off services, or making your living situation intolerable. Both landlords and fellow tenants can be responsible. Document all incidents and seek help promptly.
2. How do I report harassment in my HMO or shared house?
   You can report harassment or illegal eviction concerns to the NIHE using Form HAR1. You can also file a complaint with your local council or the HMO licensing team if in a registered HMO.
3. Can my landlord evict me because I have complained about harassment?
   No, it is illegal for a landlord to evict or threaten to evict you in retaliation for reporting harassment or exercising your rights. If this occurs, seek help from NIHE or Housing Rights immediately.
4. Is police involvement necessary?
   If you ever feel in physical danger or if a crime has been committed, call the police right away. For non-emergencies, you can also contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) at 101.
5. Where can I get advice or support for harassment in private rented housing?
   Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or Housing Rights for free, confidential guidance, support with forms, and legal advocacy.

Key Takeaways

• Harassment in shared housing is illegal under Northern Ireland law—help is available.
• Keep thorough records and use official forms such as HAR1 to report issues promptly.
• Support is available from NIHE, Housing Rights, and your local council to resolve issues and protect your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE): Official guidance, reporting forms, and support (call 03448 920 900).
• Housing Rights: Free, independent advice and support for private renters facing disputes or harassment (call 028 9024 5640).
• Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI): For emergencies (call 999) or non-urgent safety issues (call 101).
• Rent Assessment Committee, Northern Ireland: For official disputes, rent complaints, and tribunal hearings.

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1. Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
2. Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

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