Landlords to be regulated for the first time announces Ritchie

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, today announced plans to significantly raise standards in the private rented sector.

The new plans include:

• A mandatory landlord registration scheme, which will see landlords provide details for a Northern Ireland register for the first time;
• rent deposit scheme to protect deposit agreements between tenants and landlords;
• An education and awareness programme to ensure that landlords and tenants are aware of their respective rights and responsibilities;
• An enhancement of the current fitness standard for private rented properties.

Minister Ritchie said: “Almost one in six dwellings in Northern Ireland are now in the private rented sector. That accounts for more than the total of all social housing dwellings put together. As such, I felt that it was hugely important to ensure that the sector is properly regulated.

“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."

The plans, announced as part of a new private rented strategy, entitled ‘Building Sound Foundations’, have resulted from a public consultation held last year.

Margaret Ritchie will bring proposals for legislation to the Assembly over the next few months with a view to it becoming law in spring 2011.

Portadown resident, Maureen McParland, who rents privately, welcomed the planned changes and said: "This new strategy seems to provide the right safeguards for tenants whose landlords are not fully up to speed with their responsibilities, or who sometimes don’t take these responsibilities seriously."

Also welcoming the publication of the strategy, Grainia Long from The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) said: "Its focus on making the private rented sector a more sustainable, professional and attractive option is particularly relevant because of the recent growth in the number of private rented properties.

“The CIH strongly supports the Department's plans for the introduction of a tenancy deposit scheme which will provide protection for both landlord and tenant should a dispute arise. We look forward to working with landlords through our learning and development services to implement the strategy for the benefit of communities."

Also voicing her support for the new private rented strategy plans, Nicola McCrudden, Policy Manager with the Housing Rights Service, said: "As the leading frontline agency providing advice and representation to people facing housing problems, 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 a greater focus on education, advice and guidance for all who use and work within the sector."

Notes to editors:

1. A copy of the strategy is available at: http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/private_rented_sector
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
3. Minister Ritchie will attend a landlord awareness and information session this evening, Wednesday, March 24 at 6.00pm at the Lagan Valley Island, Island Civic Centre, Lisburn where she will address the audience on the new private rented strategy.