Newsletter 32 | June 2023
Welcome to our latest edition of the Private Rented Sector Landlord Newsletter
Private Rented Sector Survey re: Payment Options for Tenants
The Department launched the above call for views/survey on 22 May 2023 which will run until 17 July 2023.
Section 12 of the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 gives the Department power to make regulations to ensure a private landlord offers a choice of payment to a tenant.
The Department must consult with the persons laid down in the Act before preparing a report on the consultation and then lay the report before the Assembly and publish it before the 27 October 2023.
During the passage of the Private Tenancies Act the Committee heard evidence of tenants having to carry large sums of money in cash to a letting agent to pay for their deposit and first month’s rent. They were concerned that some landlords maybe weren’t offering tenants a choice of payment resulting in them having no option but to pay in cash.
This survey seeks views on whether this is an issue for private landlords and tenants and if so, how big an issue it is. The evidence provided will then inform a decision on whether regulations are required. You are invited to take this opportunity to respond to this survey.
A copy of the privacy notice is available on the Department’s website.
Have your say – two new consultations to watch out for
- The Private Tenancies Smoke, Heat and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations
- The Private Tenancies Electrical Safety Regulations
It is anticipated that the draft Regulations and associated Guidance Notes relating to Sections 8 and 10 of the Private Tenancies Act (NI) 2022 will issue for consultation in the near future.
The legislation is part of a programme of work to improve the Private Rented Sector. These Regulations are specifically aimed at reducing the risk of fire related incidents and injury due to electrical faults.
The consultation exercise will likely run for 12 weeks seeking views and comments from all key stakeholders.
Post-consultation, it is the intention to introduce the finalised Alarm Regulations during 2023 under the negative resolution legislative process. However, the Electrical Safety Regulations will naturally pause awaiting the return of a functioning Assembly as they need to follow the draft affirmative legislative process.
The link to the consultation will be announced and published as usual on the Department’s Private Tenancies web page
Active participation is welcomed.
New affordable housing policy aims to create an additional supply of intermediate rent homes
The Department for Communities (DfC) published a new affordable housing policy on 30 March 2023, which aims to create an additional supply of Intermediate Rent homes, providing a new affordable housing option.
The new policy, which sets out the framework to allow for the development of more high-quality, long-term, affordable housing with support services, comes following a public consultation on the Intermediate Rent policy proposals, which gathered views on how this new housing product should work.
Intermediate Rent seeks to offer a secure, affordable and supportive rental option for eligible households who are struggling with the costs of market rentals. The policy aims to reduce the barriers which some households face in accessing or maintaining a rented home. Landlords will not be mandated to offer their properties as Intermediate Rent.
Intermediate Rent tenancies are private rented tenancies; however they differ from open market private rented tenancies by offering additional benefits. All the rights and obligations in place in respect of any private tenancy apply to Intermediate Rent tenancies.
This new policy may be of interest to those undertaking development and/or submitting planning applications and those seeking to deliver this form of affordable housing as part of their organisation's social ethos. The policy document outlines the requirements a dwelling or tenancy must meet in order for it to be Intermediate Rent housing, who would be eligible for an Intermediate Rent home, and it provides information for those interested in the development of Intermediate Rent homes whether it is delivered using the Department’s funding arrangements or it is funded outside those arrangements.
The publication of a ‘Homes for Intermediate Rent: Design Standards' guide alongside the policy sets out the expected design and finish standards associated with Intermediate Rent homes.
Work continues to deliver a funding package which can support the practical delivery of a supply of new Intermediate Rent homes, through a single Intermediate Rent Operator, in due course.
A guide on the life expectancy of rental property products
MyDeposits Northern Ireland, one of the tenancy deposit scheme administrators approved by the Department, have put together a guide explaining the average life expectancy of products and help you distinguish between what might be considered as fair wear and tear and what is likely to be seen as exceeding this.
Landlord advice
The 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.
Landlord Advice is available between 9.30am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday.
Call 028 90 245640 and pick option 5.
Private Renting in Northern Ireland
Visit nidirect for up to date information and advice for all things relating to private renting in Northern Ireland.
