Regulation of the Private Rented Sector in Northern Ireland Avril Hiles Housing Division 15 November 2012

Strategic Context Sector changed and grown significantly: Now over 145,000 tenancies Greater role in meeting housing need Majority of landlords own less than 5 properties Problems include: –Tenancy management; –Standards; –Lack of reliable intelligence on sector

Current Regulation Rent Order 1978 / Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 provides comprehensive legislative basis for regulation of sector: Rent books Statement of tenancy terms Repairing obligations Fitness Notice to Quit periods Harassment / illegal eviction.

Major Weakness No Central database of landlords No means to identify/communicate with landlords Councils difficulty in identifying/monitoring compliance

Building Sound Foundations Aim: Develop a healthy private rented sector, capable of responding more effectively to housing need. How: Raise standards across sector Strong/effective/appropriate legislation/regulation to promote/uphold standards Improve intelligence/collective policy approach

Landlord Registration Scheme Aim: To create a register of all private landlords and maintain relevant and up to date information about these landlords and their tenancies. It will: –give local councils information to ensure that landlords comply with the law and assist environmental health officers to enforce standards and improve tenancy management; and –allow particular information held on the register to be accessed by members of the public and prescribed statutory bodies.

Overview of Landlord Registration Scheme Apply to all private landlords/agents On-line or manual registration available Fee to be paid Landlords must provide details of all properties for rent On registration landlords to receive registration number, advice and guidance Registration time limited, renewable Fixed penalties/fines apply

Tenancy Deposit Schemes Aim: To ensure good practice in deposit handling, so that when a tenant pays a deposit, and is entitled to get it back, they can be assured that this will happen. Two types of scheme: -Custodial scheme – where landlord hands over whole deposit: -Insurance – where landlords hold on to deposit and pay insurance scheme to protect.

Tenancy Deposit Schemes Only schemes which meet criteria will be approved. Only operators of approved schemes will be appointed as scheme administrators.

Caravans Act Aim: To outline rights and protections for people who live in caravans Parts 1 and 3 -main home-DSD Part 2 -holiday- DETI

Caravans Act Residents must get written statement Councils

Questions?