Dementia and Tenancy Rights in Northern Ireland

If you or someone you support has dementia and rents in Northern Ireland, this guide explains practical tenancy rights for renters, what reasonable adjustments you can ask for, and how to respond to repairs, rent changes or eviction notices. It covers how to document concerns, work with carers or an appointed power of attorney, and when to apply to an official tribunal. Wherever possible use written requests and keep copies of letters, photos and receipts so you can show what happened and when. This article explains steps tenants can take, the main laws protecting people with disabilities, and the official places to get forms and help.

Key rights under Northern Ireland law

Tenants with dementia are protected both by tenancy law and disability discrimination rules. The Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 sets modern rules for private renting and security of tenure, while the Equality Act 2010 covers reasonable adjustments to prevent discrimination for disabled renters.^[1][2]

What to do about repairs and habitability

Report repairs in writing, say what the problem is, where it is, and a reasonable deadline for the landlord to act. If the landlord does not respond, keep a log of calls, photos and copies of messages.

• Repairs: ask the landlord in writing for urgent fixes such as heating, hot water or electrical faults and give a clear timeframe.
• Evidence: keep dated photos, messages and a repair log to demonstrate delay or neglect.
• Contact: if unresolved, contact your local Housing Executive or housing advice service for next steps.

Reasonable adjustments and communication

Reasonable adjustments might include flexible payment dates, allowing a carer to act on your behalf, or changing how notices are served so important information is accessible. Make requests in writing and explain the impact dementia has on communication or decision making.

Notices, eviction and timescales

If a landlord serves a notice, check the reasons and the timescale. Some notices can be challenged, especially where disability, discrimination or failure to make reasonable adjustments played a part. Do not ignore a notice — missing a deadline can remove options to appeal.

• Notice: read any notice carefully and note the deadline and method of service.
• Deadlines: respond or seek advice promptly because tribunal applications often must be made within strict time limits.
• Protection: if eviction relates to a disability issue, explain this when you respond and ask for reasonable adjustments.

Using a power of attorney or an appointed carer

If the person with dementia has a lasting power of attorney, the attorney can usually act on tenancy matters. If no power of attorney exists, family or carers should ask the landlord for permission to act and provide evidence of their role. Always keep authorisation documents with tenancy records.

Bringing a dispute to the tribunal

If you cannot resolve a problem with the landlord, you may apply to the official tribunal for Northern Ireland to decide the dispute. The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service publishes application forms and guidance for housing and property matters; use the tribunal application to set out the issue and attach evidence such as repair logs, photos and written requests.^[3]

Official forms and when to use them

Key official forms and guidance for tenants in Northern Ireland include:

• Tribunal application form (see the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service): use this when you want a formal decision about eviction, rent disputes or repairs; for example, apply if a landlord will not carry out essential repairs after written requests.
• Written notice templates and guidance under the Private Tenancies Act 2022: use official guidance to check whether a notice is valid and to understand required timescales, for example when you receive a rent increase notice.
• Equality Act guidance on reasonable adjustments: there is official guidance explaining how to request adjustments and what counts as reasonable, which can be quoted in correspondence with your landlord.

Practical action steps for tenants or carers

• Document: write dates, times and details of every repair request, notice or conversation.
• Ask for support: contact a trusted friend, carer or legal adviser to help with letters and tribunal forms.
• Use formal channels: if informal requests fail, submit a tribunal application with your evidence and clearly explain any disability-related needs.

FAQ

Can a landlord evict a tenant because they have dementia?

Landlords cannot lawfully evict someone simply because they have dementia; eviction must follow the law and cannot be used as a pretext for discrimination under the Equality Act.

What is a reasonable adjustment?

A reasonable adjustment is a practical change a landlord can make to avoid disadvantaging a tenant with a disability, such as flexible payment dates or different notice arrangements.

How do I apply to the tribunal?

Complete the appropriate tribunal application form, attach evidence (photos, repair logs, written requests) and follow the guidance on the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service website.

How-To

1. Write a clear dated request to the landlord explaining the repair or adjustment needed and keep a copy.
2. Collect evidence: photos, dated messages, receipts and witness notes.
3. If unresolved, complete the tribunal application form and attach your evidence.
4. Seek help from a carer, power of attorney or legal adviser for representation or to check forms.

Help and Support / Resources

• Department for Communities Northern Ireland - Housing
• nidirect - Private renting and tenant rights
• Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service

1. [1] Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 - legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Equality Act 2010 - legislation.gov.uk
3. [3] Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service - courtsni.gov.uk