Northern Ireland councils will take over the Landlord Registration Scheme, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons 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 & 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