Newsletter 34 | January 2024
Welcome to our latest edition of the Private Rented Sector Landlord Newsletter
Landlord Registration Renewals
As you are aware, landlords who let properties under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland must be registered, and it must be renewed every three years.
• Did you know 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.
• If you’re the lead landlord in a joint owner group, you are responsible for paying the registration renewal fee but each landlord will need to renew their registration.
To renew your registration, follow the instructions for Manage my Registration.
More information on updating your details.
Update on The PRS Consultation on Section 8 & 10
The consultation relating to the Private Tenancies (NI) Act 2022 - Section 8 (Alarms) and Section 10 (Electrical Safety) Regulations and Guidance Notes closed on 6 December 2023.
The Private Rented team are currently analysing responses and the resulting Summary Reports detailing the outcome of the consultation which will be published on the Departmental website early 2024.
It is the intention that the Section 8 Regulations will be finalised and come into force in early 2024. However, the Section 10 Regulations are subject to the draft affirmative legislative process and will pause to await the scrutiny of the return of an Assembly.
All input to the consultation was very much appreciated.
We would also again like to thank those organisations and their representatives who helped us shape the Regulations and Guidance Notes in advance of the consultation.
These organisations included Electrical Contractor bodies, the Landlords Association for Northern Ireland, Housing Rights, Renters Voice and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
Resident Information Sessions: High-Rise Residential Buildings in NI
The Department for Communities has launched significant new work to address fire safety in high-rise and other residential buildings across Northern Ireland.
The Department has taken on responsibility for the implementation of the Department of Finance Expert Panel report ‘Improving Safety in High Rise Residential Buildings in Northern Ireland’ which was developed in response to the Grenfell tragedy.
A key focus for the new Residential Building Safety Team will be the development of a new legislative framework, supported by an extensive outreach programme due to begin later this month.
Alongside initial research and scoping exercises the team will be seeking the views of residents of high-rise residential buildings to inform consideration of building safety issues here and, in particular, fire safety matters stemming from building design, construction and ongoing operation and maintenance.
Head of the Residential Building Safety Team, Derek Kennedy said:
“People are at the heart of what we do in the Department so we’re particularly keen to involve residents at the earliest opportunity. Their input is essential as this policy evolves, and a key part of the development of a legislative framework. I would encourage residents of high-rise buildings to register and come along to one of the information sessions. Stakeholder engagement and consultation will be central as we move forward, both in terms of gaining insight and wider public understanding of this work.”
Information sessions for residents of high-rise buildings have been scheduled as follows:
- Tuesday, January 30, 2024 – Public Record Office of Northern Ireland – Belfast (at 11am and 2pm)
- Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – Guildhall - Derry/Londonderry (at 11am and 2pm)
- Thursday, February 1, 2024 – Online session (at 7pm).
To register for any of these sessions or for further information, please visit the Residential Building Safety webpage on the DfC website.
Housing Mediation Service
The free Housing Mediation Service, operated by Housing Rights, helps resolve disputes in private tenancies.
A trained mediator will help those involved in a dispute talk and listen to each other, and try to come to an agreement.
The service is for:
- private landlords
- private tenants
- letting agents
Visit Housing Rights website to find out more or make a referral.
Find out how the housing mediation service has helped others.
Landlord Advice
Landlord Advice is a free service that helps registered landlords understand and navigate their legal responsibilities. It promotes good practice in the private rented sector.
The service is for:
- private landlords
- estate agents
- anyone thinking of becoming a landlord and has questions about how to get started
It is a legal requirement to be registered as a landlord when you are renting to tenants. Please have your landlord registration number available when getting in touch.
Read recent testimonials on how we have helped other landlords.
Landlord Advice is available between 9.30am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday.
Call 028 90 245640 and pick option 1, or email advice@landlordadviceni.org
Private Renting in Northern Ireland
Visit nidirect for up to date information and advice for all things relating to private renting in Northern Ireland.
