Housing & renting
Am I a tenant or a flatmate — and why does it matter?
Flatmates often have different rights than tenants on the tenancy agreement — Tenancy Services explains the difference.
If your name is on the tenancy agreement with the landlord, you are usually a tenant protected by the Residential Tenancies Act. If you rent a room from another tenant who is on the agreement, you may be a flatmate with a private arrangement — different rules and dispute paths apply.
Before you move in, ask who holds the tenancy, how bond is handled, and what notice looks like if someone leaves. Flatmate disputes about bills or behaviour are often civil matters; tenant–landlord issues go through Tenancy Services.
Get important promises in writing even in a flatmate situation. Community Law can help if you are unsure which category you are in. Not legal advice.
Official resources
Always confirm details on the official site — laws and processes can change.
Educational signposting only from the Resilience Programme. Not legal, financial, or medical advice. Updated 2026-07-10.