Landlords in Northern Ireland could be asked to provide details about standards in their rental properties as part of proposed changes to the Landlord Registration Scheme.

A new consultation wants their views on plans to make the scheme a more effective tool for improving knowledge and compliance with their legal duties. It also aims to help councils focus on enforcement against non-compliant and unregistered landlords.

Changes include requesting mandatory information on the standards of properties and sharing register data to support gas safety enforcement and housing policy development. There are also a few minor technical amendments proposed to reflect the fact that administration of HMOs is now operated by local councils.

Covers

The Landlord Registration Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) took effect in February 2014, with registration – which covers multiple properties - costing £70 for three years.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (pictured) says the plans aim to support good landlords while enabling more effective action against those who persistently fall short of legal standards.

Role

“Local councils play a key role in ensuring that landlords meet their obligations. For them to act effectively, they need reliable information about who landlords are and how they operate,” adds Lyons. “These proposals are not about creating unnecessary burdens. They are about building a system that is fair, proportionate and capable of delivering higher standards across the sector-benefiting both tenants and responsible landlords.”

Landlords would be asked to confirm whether they are compliant with existing legislation relating to the safety and standards of their properties including the fitness for human habitation standards, smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms, electrical and gas safety standards and a valid EPC.

The consultation runs until 27th April.

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