Plans to regulate private landlords launched

Minister Margaret Ritchie has launched the new private rented sector strategy. It includes

• a mandatory landlord registration scheme
• a rent deposit scheme to protect deposit arrangements between landlords and tenants
• education and awaremenss programme for landlords and tenants
• enhanced fitness standards.

The Minister will bring proposals for legislation to the Assembly over the next few months with a view to it becoming law in Spring 2011. She said "The introduction of a landlord register will help ensure that all private landlords are held accountable, that they are made aware of their responsibilities and also of their rights. The strategy will also ensure a higher standard of home in the private rented sector and that those more vulnerable people living in private rented homes are better supported to help them sustain tenancies".

Housing Rights Service has welcomed the "Building Sound Foundations" strategy. Nicola McCrudden said "We believe the Department is taking the right approach to modernising the private rented sector. In particular, we are very much in favour of a mandatory register of landlords and greater focus on education, advice and guidance for all who use and work within the sector."

The strategy can be found here

In February Minister Ritchie consulted on plans for new housing legislation. Details are available here.

Housing Rights Serice and CHNI held a joint consultation event on the legislation in February. You can read the feedback from this event and Housing Rights Service's response to the consultation below.

 Response to Department for Social Development Consultation on the Housing Bill 114.62 Kb

 Housing Bill Consultation Feedback 97.76 Kb

 Organisations represented at Housing Bill Consultation 27.45 Kb

Housing Amendment Bill progress

The Bill reached its final stage in March and is awaiting Royal Assent.

The Bill's progress

Useful links

Social Development Committee Forward Work Programme

DSD consultations