What rights do I have if I share a home with the owner or rent a room as a licensee?

6 Sept 2026, 01:30
Q A Reader Asker

What rights do I have if I share a home with the owner or rent a room as a licensee?

A RentWise Team Answered by

Your rights depend on whether you have a tenancy or a licence, which is determined by the real arrangement rather than the label in an agreement. A tenant generally has protections under the Residential Tenancies Acts, while a licensee—often someone renting a room in the owner’s home—may not have the same RTB or notice protections. Even licensees should have clear terms covering rent, notice, access and house rules, and cannot simply be subjected to unlawful harassment. If you are unsure of your status, check the RTB and Citizens Information guidance or speak to a solicitor; the RTB or a court may ultimately decide based on the facts.

This Q&A is editorial content produced by the RentWise team. It does not guarantee any individual outcome.
Q&A Contact