Understanding Company Let Agreements for Renters in Northern Ireland

If you’re renting a home in Northern Ireland, you may come across something called a “company let agreement.” While most tenancies are between a landlord and a private person, sometimes companies rent properties on behalf of their employees. This page explains what these agreements are, how they affect renters’ rights, and what steps you can take if you’re living in a property under this type of arrangement.

What Is a Company Let Agreement?

A company let agreement is a tenancy where a business or organisation, not an individual, rents a property from a landlord. The company usually sublets or allows one of its employees to live there. In these situations, the agreement is between the landlord and the company itself—not the person living in the property.

How Is It Different from a Usual Tenancy?

Most renters in Northern Ireland have an 'assured tenancy' or a 'protected tenancy', meaning they have certain legal protections, such as notice periods for eviction or limits on rent increases. With a company let agreement:

• The company, not the individual, is the legal tenant.
• The person actually living in the property (the “occupant”) may not have standard protections under The Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006^[1].
• Eviction procedures and notice rules may differ, as the law treats the agreement as a business contract, not as a standard residential tenancy.

This means, if you live in a company let property as an employee, your rights can be very different compared to a private tenancy.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

It’s important to know:

• Company let agreements often don’t include the full range of rights granted to assured or regulated tenants (such as protection from eviction or deposit schemes).
• Any issues about eviction, repair, or rent are usually handled between the company and the landlord, not directly with you as the resident.
• If you have a problem with the property, you generally report it to your employer (the company) rather than the landlord.

Common Scenarios for Renters

• If your employer ends your employment or relocates you, you might need to vacate the property quickly, as your right to stay is often linked to your job.
• If there’s a dispute (like eviction or a rent increase), it’s usually the company—not you directly—who negotiates with the landlord.

Relevant Forms and Legal Procedures

Company let agreements are classed as business tenancies, so residential forms like the Notice to Quit for private tenants usually do not apply.^[2]

• Private Tenancy Notice to Quit Form: Normally used when ending standard private tenancies. See the official NI Direct form. If you're not on the agreement as the tenant, this form doesn't generally protect you.
• Deposit Protection Forms: Normally, a landlord must protect deposits with an approved scheme. However, with company let agreements, this protection may not cover you individually. Read official government deposit advice.

In most cases, employees living in a company let only have rights via their employment contract or any agreement with their employer. If you feel at risk of losing your home, you should:

• Speak to your employer’s HR team for clarification and assistance.
• Contact Housing Advice NI for further advice on your situation.

Tribunal or Board for Tenancy Disputes

In Northern Ireland, the Rent Assessment Panel is the official body handling certain disputes about rent levels or tenancy rights^[3]. However, because company lets fall outside most residential tenancy laws, they may not be able to help with company let eviction or rent issues. It's best to seek independent housing advice quickly if you're unsure of your rights as an occupant.

Which Law Governs Company Let Agreements?

The main tenancy law in Northern Ireland, The Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006^[1], generally does not cover company lets, as these are considered business tenancies.

1. Can I be evicted at short notice if I live in a company let property?
   Companies can often negotiate different notice periods with landlords, so the protections offered to private tenants may not apply. Your right to remain usually depends on your employment agreement.
2. Does my deposit have to be protected in a company let agreement?
   Deposit protection schemes are designed for standard private tenancies, not for properties let to companies. Check your agreement or ask your employer if your deposit is covered.
3. What should I do if I have maintenance issues?
   Report all problems to your employer or company representative. The company is the legal tenant responsible for arranging repairs with the landlord.
4. Where can I get help if I’m facing eviction or housing difficulties?
   Contact local advice services like Housing Rights, or seek help from the Rent Assessment Panel or Citizens Advice in Northern Ireland.
5. Does the Rent Assessment Panel cover company let disputes?
   Usually not, as company let agreements are business contracts. For disputes, discuss directly with your employer and consider legal advice if needed.

Key Takeaways for Renters in Company Let Agreements

• Company let agreements are legal contracts between a landlord and a business, not an individual renter.
• Employees living in company let homes generally do not have the same renter protections as private tenants in Northern Ireland.
• For advice or support, speak to your employer and reach out to housing advisors if you feel your situation is unclear or unsafe.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Housing Advice NI – Guide to Company Lets
• Housing Rights – Help for tenants and occupiers
• NI Direct: Private Renting (official Northern Ireland government guidance)
• Rent Assessment Panel Northern Ireland

---

1. The Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
2. Notice to Quit for Tenants (NI Direct form)
3. Rent Assessment Panel – Northern Ireland

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent, Deposits & Increases Tenancy Types & Agreements Moving In & Out Procedures Repairs, Maintenance & Housing Standards Eviction Notices & Repossessions Shared Housing, HMOs & Lodgers Discrimination, Harassment & Accessibility Utilities, Bills & Council Tax Affordable Housing, Social Housing & Benefits Dispute Resolution & Housing Tribunals Health, Safety & Fire Regulations Privacy, Landlord Entry & Surveillance Unusual & Special Tenancy Situations Renters’ Insurance & Liability Homelessness Support & Post-Eviction Help Landlord Duties, Licensing & Penalties Housing Law, Legal Updates & Case Studies Mental Health, Disability & Vulnerable Renters’ Rights Rent Repayment Orders & Compensation