Live-In Landlord Tenancy Rights in Northern Ireland

If you’re renting a room or sharing a home with your landlord in Northern Ireland, you may have different rights compared to traditional tenants. This guide explains what it means to live with your landlord, your protections, and what to expect from this type of arrangement.

Understanding Live-In Landlord Tenancies

In Northern Ireland, a 'live-in landlord' tenancy, also called an 'excluded tenancy or licence,' describes a situation where you rent part of a property your landlord also lives in as their main home. This is common for lodgers or those renting a room in a shared house.

How This Differs from Standard Tenancies

  • Your rights are less extensive than those of tenants in self-contained flats or houses.
  • The agreement may be a written contract or simply an informal arrangement.
  • Your landlord can usually end the arrangement more quickly than a standard tenancy.

Even with fewer rights, you still have basic protections and responsibilities as a renter.

Key Legal Protections for Live-In Landlord Tenancies

Live-in landlord situations are generally excluded from many parts of the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006[1]. This means important rules on length of notice, eviction, and repairs can differ significantly from other rental types.

Your Main Protections

  • You must receive reasonable notice before your landlord asks you to leave. What is 'reasonable' depends on how long you’ve lived there.
  • Your deposit (if paid) should usually be protected in an approved tenancy deposit scheme.
  • Your landlord must not discriminate against you or force you out illegally.
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Notice and Ending Your Arrangement

Most lodgers and live-in landlords do not need a formal court eviction for you to move out. Instead, you typically need to be given what the law considers 'reasonable notice'. A week’s notice is often seen as fair if you pay rent weekly, though a longer notice might be appropriate if you’ve lived there a long time.

Steps If You’re Asked to Leave

  • Check your agreement for any stated notice period.
  • If you feel the notice is too short or you’re being treated unfairly, you can seek advice from the Housing Rights Service.
  • If your landlord changes the locks or tries to evict you without notice, this may be an illegal eviction. Contact your local council’s Environmental Health department for help.

Relevant Forms and Processes

There are fewer formal forms for lodger or excluded licence situations, but some official processes and rights may still apply:

  • Tenancy Deposit Protection Certification (No formal number): If you pay a deposit, your landlord must protect it and provide you an official certificate of protection. Learn more and check schemes at Tenancy Deposit Schemes on nidirect.
    Example: If you haven’t received your deposit protection information within 28 days, ask your landlord for the certificate and scheme details.

There is no standard official notice form for live-in landlord arrangements, but keeping written records is always a smart move.

The Role of Tribunals in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service handles most residential tenancy disputes. However, many excluded occupancy issues (like lodgers) may not fall under their direct remit for possession orders, since a court order is usually not required. They can, however, be involved if there’s a dispute over deposits, harassment, or illegal eviction.

Important Legislation

Your arrangement is mostly governed by the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006[1], but some sections may not apply if you share living space with your landlord. For more information, refer to the official guidelines for lodgers and tenants on nidirect.

If you’re unsure whether you are a lodger or a tenant, always check your agreement and ask an independent advice service such as Housing Rights for clarification.

FAQ: Live-In Landlord and Lodger Tenancies in Northern Ireland

  1. What counts as a live-in landlord tenancy?
    A live-in landlord tenancy (or “lodger situation”) is when you rent a room or space in your landlord’s main home, and you share living areas like a kitchen or bathroom.
  2. Do live-in landlord tenants have the same rights as standard tenants?
    No, you have fewer protections than tenants in stand-alone properties since many rights under the Private Tenancies Order 2006 do not apply.
  3. What notice am I entitled to if my landlord asks me to move out?
    You must be given 'reasonable notice'—often a week if you pay weekly, but longer may be needed based on your agreement or how long you’ve lived there.
  4. Does my deposit need to be protected in a deposit scheme?
    It usually does if you have a tenancy agreement, but some lodger arrangements may be exempt. Always request written confirmation or seek advice if unsure.
  5. Who can help if I feel I’ve been evicted unfairly as a lodger?
    Contact the Housing Rights Service or your local council’s Environmental Health department for assistance with possible illegal eviction or harassment.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

  • Live-in landlord or lodger arrangements in Northern Ireland offer fewer legal protections than standard private tenancies.
  • You are always entitled to 'reasonable notice' and protection from illegal eviction or discrimination.
  • Seek advice from official bodies or advice services if you are ever unsure about your situation or rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters


  1. Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights UK

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.