Northern Ireland councils will take over the Landlord
Registration Scheme, Communities Minister has announced.
The Scheme, which was introduced in February 2014, created a
single database of registered private landlords, in order that
up-to-date and accurate information would be available on
landlords and their properties.
Minister Lyons said: “When I launched the Executive
Housing Supply Strategy, I highlighted the need for a joined-up
approach to the challenges we face. Its vision – that everyone
has access to a good quality, affordable, sustainable home which
is appropriate to their needs – applies equally to all
tenures.
“The private rented sector makes up a significant portion
of housing in Northern Ireland. In transferring the operation of
the Landlord Registration Scheme to councils, it gives
stewardship to the organisations who are best placed to identify
and deal with issues in communities.”
The functions of the Landlord Registration Scheme will be
transferred to local councils on 1 March 2025, with Lisburn and
Castlereagh City Council taking the lead and acting as the host
council for all of Northern Ireland.
The Minister added: “Our councils already do great work
across Northern Ireland and are partners when it comes to
delivering for people in a range of areas. Going forward, I am
pleased this partnership has developed further in relation to
housing matters and compliance.
“As we work collectively to address housing need, effort
involves a range of sectors, as well as government at all levels.
The transfer of the Scheme is an excellent opportunity to show
what can be achieved when central and local government work
together collaboratively to improve services.”
The Minister concluded by acknowledging the landlords who have
engaged with the process so far: “Many landlords
already comply with the requirement to register, they find the
Scheme provides them with a key tool for keeping up to date with
essential information, and in particular changes to legislation
which may affect them.
"I would like all landlords in the sector to recognise
and comply with their responsibilities to their tenants. The
transfer of the Scheme will help to achieve this goal.”
David Burns, Chief Executive of Lisburn and Castlereagh City
Council, which has been appointed the lead council for managing
the Landlord Registration Scheme for all 11 councils in Northern
Ireland said: “Today marks a significant milestone, the transfer
of functions of the Landlord Registration Scheme to local
councils. By bringing together information, advice and services
that landlords need we are essentially providing a
‘one-stop-shop' where they can access guidance, understand their
obligations, and demonstrate compliance.
"Working in collaboration with the Department for Communities a
new user friendly online system has been developed offering
landlords in Northern Ireland a simpler way to register their
properties and navigate changing regulations which will provide a
strengthened service to both landlords and renters alike.”
For further information please see nidirect.gov or landlordregistrationni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
- The 2021 census suggests that just over 17% of NI households
are private renters. That is equivalent to about 307,000 people
across about 132,000 households.
- All landlords who let private residential accommodation are
required to register with the Scheme. Registration costs £70 for
an online application (£80 for paper based), lasts for three
years and covers multiple properties. Failure to comply with the
requirement to register may mean a fixed penalty notice or fine
of up to £2,500.
- As well as providing a comprehensive database, the Landlord
Registration has raised standards and improved tenancy management
within the sector. It provides a more accurate basis for:
• Councils to progress enforcement of, and compliance with,
private rented sector legislation;
• The promotion of good practice by allowing guidance,
advice and support to reach a wider audience; and
• Assisting in the formulation of policy in the sector by
providing a basis for ongoing effectiveness of current
legislation which will inform future policy development.
- The Landlord Registration Scheme offers benefits to landlords
such as access to tailored advice and information from the
Landlord Helpline and assistance with tenancy dispute resolution
through Housing Mediation. Tenants can use the online facility to
check if their landlord is registered with the Scheme.
