This is the first time government has ever addressed the private rented sector in a comprehensive way.
The Minister believes the private rented sector can play a greater role in meeting housing need. Tackling problem landlords who do not comply with the law and protecting the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, are key stepping stones to making the sector stronger.
Key ideas being put out for consultation include a central scheme for tenants' deposits so that landlords cannot simply refuse to pay back deposits without good reason, a Government deposit guarantee for vulnerable people, and an independent body to manage disputes between landlords and tenants.
Launching the consultation Margaret Ritchie said: “The private rented sector is becoming increasingly important in meeting demand for housing. There are almost as many houses in the sector as the total managed by the Housing Executive. The sector needs to be overhauled. There are landlords whose management of tenancies is poor, whose properties are not up to scratch and who don’t always know, or comply, with the law. Thankfully these landlords are in the minority. We have put an enormous amount of work into devising the first ever comprehensive strategy for the sector and we now want to get the views of the public.
“I want to work with landlords and help them become more competent and more professional. In turn they can make a great contribution to meeting housing need. However, for those who continue to flout the law, I want to ensure that appropriate action is taken.”
The Minister added that the new strategy could help vulnerable households, she said: “Many people find it difficult to find the money for deposits and many tenants and landlords end up in disputes about how much of this can be returned at the end of the tenancy. Others find the whole business of renting privately daunting and difficult. My proposals will tackle these problems.”
In seeking meaningful dialogue in the consultation process Margaret Ritchie said: “This public consultation offers an opportunity for all those with an interest in housing to shape the future of private renting here. I want to hear the views of as many people as possible so that I can ensure a strong, healthy and responsive private rented sector.”
Notes to Editors:
1. Building Sound Foundations - A Strategy for the Private Rented Sector is now out for public consultation. The consultation period ends on 7 August.
2. The consultation document represents the first steps in a longer term strategy for the private rented sector, with many of the proposals requiring legislation before they may be implemented.
3. The key proposals are as follows:
- A central scheme for tenants deposits so that landlords cannot simply refuse to pay back deposits for flimsy reasons;
- Government deposit guarantee for vulnerable people who cannot afford them;
- An independent body to manage disputes between landlords and tenants and encourage compliance with their tenancy agreement;
- New fitness standards implemented by 2015. Landlords penalised if they don’t meet these standards;
- Much greater awareness of the rights of tenants and the responsibilities of landlords;
- Longer periods of notice to quit for long term tenants.
4. The package of proposals is the culmination of a detailed examination of the sector which has undergone considerable growth over the last 10 years, 81,000 private rented properties were estimated through the 2006 House Condition Survey, accounting for 11.5% of the total housing stock, compared to 50,000 (7.6% ) in 2001.
5. Copies can be obtained from: www.dsdni.gov.uk
6. Media enquiries to Philip Maguire DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9079 mobile 07788 108657. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
