Secure Tenancy Rights for Renters in Northern Ireland

If you rent your home from the Housing Executive or a housing association in Northern Ireland, you may have what is called a secure tenancy. This offers strong protection and important rights compared to other types of renting. Knowing what secure tenancy means helps you feel confident about your home and decision-making for the future.

Understanding Secure Tenancy in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, a secure tenancy is typically granted to people who rent from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or registered housing associations after a probation period (known as an introductory tenancy). Secure tenancies offer long-term stability and legal protections.

Who Qualifies for a Secure Tenancy?

• You rent from the Housing Executive or a registered housing association.
• Your introductory tenancy has passed (usually after 12 months).
• You have not breached your tenancy agreement seriously.

A secure tenancy gives you a range of rights, making it harder for your landlord to evict you and easier to make your house feel like home.

Your Rights as a Secure Tenant

• Protection from eviction: Your landlord must follow strict legal procedures and prove grounds for eviction before you can be asked to leave.
• Rent increases: You must receive proper notice before any rent increase can take effect.
• Succession rights: In some cases, secure tenancies can pass to a spouse, civil partner, or family member if the tenant dies.
• Right to repair: You can ask your landlord to fix things that they are responsible for by law.

Eviction Rules and Notice Periods

Secure tenants can only be evicted if the Housing Executive or your housing association gets a court order and demonstrates valid grounds (such as rent arrears or breach of tenancy). They must serve you with a formal notice—called a Notice Seeking Possession.

• The notice period is usually at least four weeks, unless you are being evicted for anti-social behaviour (then it may be shorter).
• The landlord must apply to the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service to complete the eviction process.

Official Forms Relevant to Secure Tenancies

• Notice Seeking Possession (NSP):
  • When used: If your landlord (e.g., Housing Executive) wants to regain possession of your home, they must issue you an NSP in writing with reasons for wanting possession. Example: If you fall behind on rent, you may receive this notice.
  • Download the official NIHE Notice of Possession form
• Right to Buy Application (Form RTB1):
  • When used: Secure tenants may be eligible to buy their home through the statutory Right to Buy scheme. You would use Form RTB1 to start this process.
  • See NIHE Right to Buy form and guide
• Succession Notification:
  • When used: If a secure tenant dies, their spouse, partner, or eligible family member must notify the landlord using the landlord's standard "Succession Claim Form" (varies by provider) to inherit the tenancy.
  • Contact your landlord for their process or visit the NIHE succession advice page

How Is Secure Tenancy Granted and Lost?

You usually become a secure tenant automatically after an introductory period (often 12 months) if your tenancy has not been breached. However, you can lose secure tenancy status if:

• You sub-let the entire property without permission.
• You stop using the property as your only or main home.
• You break important rules of your tenancy agreement.

Secure tenancy is governed by the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1983.^[1]

FAQ: Secure Tenancy in Northern Ireland

1. Can my landlord increase the rent on a secure tenancy?
   Yes, but they must provide you with written notice and follow the legal process. You have the right to be told about the changes in advance.
2. What happens if I receive a Notice Seeking Possession?
   You do not have to leave immediately. This notice is the first legal step. You can seek advice and may be able to challenge the action before any court process begins.
3. Who can inherit a secure tenancy if the tenant dies?
   Usually, a spouse, civil partner, or family member living in the home at the time may inherit ("succeed to") the tenancy, but rules apply and evidence may be required.
4. Can I make improvements to my home with a secure tenancy?
   You might be able to make improvements, but you must get written permission from your landlord before starting any work.
5. What official body deals with disputes over secure tenancies?
   The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service handles tenancy disputes, including eviction and possession cases.

Conclusion: Key Points for Secure Tenants

• Secure tenancy offers strong protections against eviction and clear rights around rent and repairs.
• Eviction can only happen following a strict legal process—notice and a court order are required.
• If you’re unsure about your status or rights, seek advice and check with your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) – Main public landlord, advice and official forms
• NI Direct – Government housing advice and contacts
• Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service – For information on court proceedings
• Housing Rights – Free advice for tenants in Northern Ireland

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1. Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 – Full text of the legislation

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