Storey leads discussion on private rented sector

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA, is today seeking views on how to help make the private rented sector a more attractive and viable housing option

Publishing a discussion document on the matter, the Minister said the private rented sector has grown over the years and, with that growth, there has also been an increased focus on how the sector is regulated.

Minister Storey said: “The private rented sector is helping to meet housing need and provide an important housing option for a range of individuals and families. Landlords who are currently registered have provided details of some 94,000 private tenancies. My Department has done a lot in recent years to improve regulation of the sector, but with its growth, the time is right to review the role of the sector and to consider the effectiveness of current regulation.”

Through its discussion document, launching today, the Department is seeking responses to a number of questions under four main themes to help shape future policy. These include:

• Role of the private rented sector – what support is appropriate for both landlords and tenants?
• Supply and investment – should the private rented sector have a role in addressing housing supply and, if so, should government incentivise growth and investment?
• Housing and tenancy management – what, if any changes, are needed to current regulation?
• Property standards – should there be improvements made to current property standards?

The discussion document is the first step in a consultative process which forms part of the Department’s fundamental review of the private rented sector.

The Minister continued: “In carrying out this review I am particularly conscious that we have to strike the appropriate balance between protecting tenants and not over burdening landlords, who in the main, provide good quality, well managed accommodation. It is therefore important for those with an interest to respond.”

Responses to the discussion document should be received by 5 February 2016. A copy of the document can be found at the Consultations section. The next step in the consultative process will involve a public consultation on proposals on the way forward.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department will hold public events to facilitate conversation on the discussion document. Details of these events can be found in the Consultations section of the Department’s website.

2. Media enquiries should be directed to the DSD Press Office on 028 9082 9233 or email: press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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