Latest News

Inquiry into the experiences of ethnic minority and migrant people in NI

14 January 2022

We have used our client experience in this area to submit evidence to the inquiry. Our evidence shows the barriers people face:

accessing housing advice
accessing housing

Barriers to accessing housing advice

In 2017 & 2018 we ran a peer housing advice project for ethnic minority communities. We trained, supported and developed peer volunteers. The aim was for the volunteers to deliver housing advice within their own communities.

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Minority Groups, Policy

Housing Rights response to Department for Communities consultation on notice to quit

13 January 2022

A notice to quit is a type of eviction letter given to a private tenant. The landlord must give the tenant a notice to quit before going to court for an eviction hearing.

Coronavirus emergency legislation

Legislation passed in 2020 which increased notice to quit periods from 28 days to 12 weeks. This legislation is currently in effect until March 2022. Before this, evictions in Northern Ireland could happen after 28 days' notice.

Applying for emergency help with your energy costs

12 January 2022

A new crisis fund has opened for people who are at risk of being cut off by their energy suppliers. The fund can help people who have almost run out of energy or who have received a bill that they cannot pay.

You can only apply for help if you meet

conditions about your income, and
conditions about your energy or fuel

You'll have to give evidence to show you meet these conditions when you apply.

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Affordability

Key housing issues for the new assembly mandate

10 January 2022

Northern Ireland will head to the polls in 2022 to elect a new Assembly. A key task for the new mandate will be dealing with homelessness and housing issues.

Our policy work focuses on the experience of the people who contact us for housing help every day. We think these actions could help to deliver good-quality, sustainable and affordable homes.

Intermediate rent in Northern Ireland

20 December 2021

We've responded to the Department for Communities' consultation on intermediate rent.

We know how important it is to address the shortage of housing in Northern Ireland. But any new housing product has to add to the net housing stock we currently have and must be truly affordable.