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Edition 25 | March 2020
Welcome to the Private Rented Sector
Landlord Newsletter
Urgent Request for Additional Accommodation
(Due to COVID-19)
The Housing Executive, in conjunction with the Department for Communities, is working to urgently secure additional accommodation for those threatened with or experiencing homelessness in light of the COVID-19 situation. If you have accommodation which you could make available please get in touch via COVID19homeless@nihe.gov.uk stating location and size of property and your contact details, and a member of staff from the Housing Executive will be in touch to discuss.
Housing Rights have published a frequently asked questions page on their website if you need specific landlord advice and information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Eviction notices
As you may be aware the UK Government has secured emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or rented accommodation for the duration of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis. UK Ministers have also confirmed the three-month mortgage holiday announced on 17 March will be extended to landlords whose tenants are experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19. This is aimed at alleviating the concerns of landlords, who might be worried about meeting mortgage payments, and should therefore mean no unnecessary pressure is put on their tenants.
We know that the consequences of the coronavirus are likely to present both tenants and landlords with real difficulties, particularly where tenants lose their jobs and find it difficult paying their rent. This will in turn put pressure on landlords who have commitments dependent on receiving their rental income.
We in Northern Ireland are looking at ways of mitigating the above pressures but would ask in the meantime that you work with your tenants to plan ahead of the next few months. This could include establishing affordable repayment plans, taking into consideration tenants' individual circumstances, at the end of the period.
Most tenants will be able to receive help with their housing costs through claiming Universal Credit should they lose their jobs. However, while we work through any mitigation measures, we would ask that you do not proceed with eviction notices during this unprecedented time and the associated risks to the public health. We are currently exploring how our notice to quit and eviction legislation can be amended to mirror the proposed change in Great Britain.
NEW Free Housing Mediation Service
Housing Rights is piloting Northern Ireland’s first housing mediation service for the private rented sector. More information about the service is available from Housing Rights.
Visit the Housing Rights website or contact them on:
T: 028 9024 5640 (option 6)
E: mediation@housingrights.org.uk
This service is funded by the Department for Communities.
Universal Credit
If your tenant receives Universal Credit, their housing costs will normally be paid directly to you. The Department for Communities will contact you directly to ask for your bank account details to set up this direct payment. You do not need to do anything until the Department contacts you.
If your tenant has opted out of this direct payment to landlord, and they owe you at least two month’s rent, you can use the form available on nidirect to request a direct payment.
Letting Agents Fees
It is unlawful for letting agents to pass on fees to tenants for services that a letting agent carries out on behalf of a landlord under the Commission on Disposal of Land (NI) Order 1986. For example, fees charged to show a prospective tenant a property.
A court judgement made in 2017 upheld the view that the effect of the 1986 Order is that as a general rule and in most instances, no fee can be passed to tenants for services on behalf of a landlord.
The Ministers of the Department of Finance and Department for Communities have signed a joint communiqué which reaffirms the court rulings.
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.
Read case studies on new legislation for HMO’s and delays with Universal Credit payments on the Landlord Advice website.
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