Newsletter 26 | January 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) Act 2020 which temporarily ensures private tenants are protected from eviction during the Covid emergency 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 31 March 2021.
Housing Statement from Communities Minister
On 3 November 2020 the Communities Minister set out her plans to address challenges facing the housing system.
In relation to the Private Rented Sector the Minister announced that she intends to introduce legislation to the Assembly to improve the safety, security and quality of the Private Rented sector. Key areas of reform include extending the notice to quit period, ensuring rent is fair and considering an enhanced role for councils in registration and enforcement.
Landlord Registration Renewal
As you may be aware a significant number of landlords 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 postal applications and cheques due to COVID-19.
Are you aware that you can renew your registration 8 weeks before your registration is due to expire?
To manage / renew your registration, visit the link below.
Housing Mediation Service
This year, Housing Rights have started to offer Northern Ireland’s first housing mediation service for the private rented sector. Funded by the Department for Communities, the service offers an alternative way to resolve disputes that may occur between tenants and landlords without the need to go to Court. We hope that this new service will offer both tenants and landlords a new way of finding agreements that are sustainable and satisfactory for both parties. It has already played a vital role in helping many landlords and tenants come to agreement as renters have struggled to meet housing costs due to the impact of the crisis. A manager from UPS, who used the service during the lockdown this year, said:
“The Housing Mediation service provided a platform to allow for discussion between the tenants and the landlord. Following discussions an offer was made to help facilitate the tenants terminate their tenancy early (subject to several conditions being met). Both the landlord and tenants are satisfied with the current proposal and suggested outcome. I found the service provided by Housing Rights to be very efficient, helpful and would recommend to others.”
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.
Landlords/tenants who feel that they would benefit from this service can apply online or call Housing Rights on 028 9024 5640 and pick option 6. Alternatively you can 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.
Tenancy Deposit Scheme Statistical Briefing
One of the three appointed tenancy deposit scheme administrators - TDSNI have produced their annual Statistical Briefing Report, which is available on the TDSNI website.
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.
