Newsletter 27 | May 2021
Welcome to our latest edition of the Private Rented Sector Landlord Newsletter.
COVID 19 – Extension to Legislation on Eviction Notice
The Department put in place legislation -The Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Regulations (NI) 2021 which temporarily ensures private tenants are protected from eviction during the Covid 19 pandemic and which requires landlords to give 12 weeks’ notice to quit to their tenants, thus removing the threat of eviction.
This now remains in place until 30 September 2021.
Universal Credit Update
The information available for landlords with tenants claiming Universal Credit has been reviewed and updated following consultation with landlord representatives, and can be found at nidirect
The DfC website also provides a general overview of Universal Credit for landlords and includes links to the main source of information on nidirect.
Scoping of Private Sector Leasing Scheme
The Department for Communities has begun to explore the development of a private sector leasing scheme. A scheme of this kind would work with landlords who are interested in long–term leasing their existing private rented properties, and make these available to tenants, offering longer tenancies and good quality homes with access to tenancy support services. Details are still in development, but we expect to engage further with the sector in due course.
Departmental Response to the Private Rented Sector Consultation
In her Statement on the 3 November 2020, Minister indicated that reform of the Private Rented Sector is a priority, by addressing the “Private Rented Sector in Northern Ireland Proposals for Change” consulted on in January 2017. The Departmental response to the 2017 review was published on 4 May. The Department aims to introduce a new Private Tenancies Bill in this mandate which will include measures to improve the safety, security and quality of the Private Rented Sector with longer term changes to follow in a further Bill in the next mandate.
Landlord Registration Renewal
As you may be aware a significant number of landlord registrations will be due for renewal over the next few months. In light of the health emergency we would like to encourage as many landlords as possible to renew their registration online.
This is even more important this year given we are unable to accept payment by cheque due to Covid 19.
Are you aware that you can renew your registration 8 weeks before your registration is due to expire?
A renewal email notification will be issued to the email address you used at registration 8 weeks prior to your registration expiring. Alternatively, check your registration certificate and renew eight weeks before your registration expires.
To renew your registration, follow the instructions for Manage my Registration.
Remember to let us know if you are no longer a landlord.
Housing Mediation Service
The Housing Mediation Service helps resolve disputes that occur in the private rented sector and enables parties to find solutions that are agreeable to all. So far, the service has led to successful outcomes for both landlords, letting agents and tenants.
The Housing Mediation Service is free of charge to registered landlords and tenants to help resolve private rented disputes. When both parties agree to take part in the mediation, an independent mediator with specialist housing knowledge will help the parties talk about their dispute and come to a solution that works for everyone.
Hear from those who have used the service:
David, a private renter who rented his home via UPS, and Anthony Haylett, branch manager at UPS
Landlord Joan whose relationship with her tenant Mary was breaking down
Beryl, a tenant who got a proposed increase in rent reduced
Landlords/tenants who feel that they would benefit from this service can apply online at housingrights.org, call Housing Rights on 028 9024 5640 and pick option 6 or email mediation@housingrights.org.uk
Landlord Advice
Landlord Advice line is a free service for Landlords who have registered with the Landlord Registration Scheme and callers must have their Landlord registration number to hand when making a call.
Below is a link to some new case studies on new legislation for HMO’s and delays with Universal Credit payments on the Landlord Advice website.
Landlord Advice is available between 9.30am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday.
Call 028 90 245640 and pick option 5.
Landlord Prosecuted for Harassment
A landlord who admitted harassing a mum to leave her rented Bangor home has been given a six-month jail term suspended for two years.
It is thought to be the first case of its kind in Northern Ireland, if not the UK.
Information and guidance on nidirect
The nidirect website brings together lots of information from government departments and agencies. It provides information and services on many topics including buying, selling or renting a home, your neighbourhood, rates, building regulations, homelessness and evictions.
