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Edition 24 | November 2019
Welcome to the Private Rented Sector
Landlord Newsletter
Universal Credit
If a tenant is entitled to Universal Credit, they may get help towards their housing costs which is payable directly to their private landlord on a monthly basis. The Department needs to hold banking details for any eligible landlords in order to make these payments.
You can now provide your bank details using the secure online form to ensure we can make the appropriate payments to you as efficiently as possible.
Further information about Universal Credit for landlords is available on the Department's website.
Rate Rebate Scheme
The Rate Rebate Scheme, administered by Land & Property Services (LPS), replaces Housing Benefit (for rates only) for some people. To avail of the Rate Rebate Scheme an owner or tenant must be entitled to Universal Credit and liable for payment of rates, either directly to LPS or their landlord.
Landlords should encourage tenants to apply for the Rate Rebate scheme if they meet the criteria as it could reduce the amount of rates the landlord has to pay.
NI Houses in Multiple Occupation
On Monday 1 April 2019, licensing laws for shared flats and houses changed. On this date the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 came in to operation and local councils across NI took over responsibility for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) from the NI Housing Executive.
This new scheme aims to regulate HMOs to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of occupants and minimise any negative impacts on neighbourhoods and surrounding area.
More information is available on the Belfast City Council website.
Landlord Advice
Landlord Advice is a free service for landlords who have registered with the Landlord Registration Scheme. Callers should have their Landlord Registration Number to hand when making a call.
Blind Cord Safety
Window blind cords can be a risk to babies, small children and other vulnerable people. They may injure or strangle themselves on looped cords and chains.
Legislation was put in place in 2014 and all blinds are now safe by design or supplied with the appropriate safety devices. These devices are designed to either break under pressure or provide the facility to store cords or chains securely and out of reach. Many homes will have blinds fitted from before this date so it is important to check any you may have. Find out more...
Right to Rent
The 'Right to Rent' legislation currently in force in England does not apply in Northern Ireland at this time.
There are currently no requirements to check the immigration status of tenants in Northern Ireland.
Manage or renew your registration online.
Did you know you can renew your registration 8 weeks before your registration is due to expire?
nidirect can provide you with information and services on many topics including buying, selling or renting a home, your neighbourhood, rates, building regulations, homelessness and evictions.
The Chartered Institute of Housing is the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards. Their Housing Academy offers a comprehensive range of learning opportunities for the housing and property management sectors.
Department for Communities
Causeway Exchange, 1-7 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7EG