Housing Executive Landlord Registration Extended

15th July 2010

Where three or more people from different families live together, the house or flat is known as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The scheme which enforces the registration of HMOs is managed by the Housing Executive and has now been extended across Northern Ireland. This means that all HMOs are now required to be registered by their landlords or their letting agents by a specific date.

The aim of the scheme is to make sure that all HMOs meet the required standards in terms of fire safety, kitchen, toilet and washing facilities. Up until now the implementation of the HMO registration scheme has been done in a phased manner across each District Council area, but now all Council areas have been included. Given that the majority of HMOs in Northern Ireland are in concentrated areas of Belfast, a phased implementation programme is currently underway in Belfast. Landlords and letting agents are advised to contact the Housing Executive about registration dates for Belfast.                 

Terry Waide, from the Housing Executive said:

“Since the introduction of the Statutory Registration Scheme in May 2004 considerable progress has been made in having properties in identified HMO Action Areas registered. It is the responsibility of individual landlords and letting agents to ensure that applications to register are made in time. You should check our website or contact us for details of the registration deadlines for each Council area.

“HMO registration in Belfast is continuous and already underway. We would urge landlords and letting agents with property in Belfast to check the date for individual areas to ensure their properties are registered in the relevant time

“The amended Scheme now specifies all qualifying HMOs for registration and this will ensure that these properties meet required standards. The vast majority of landlords have been working with us to achieve this, however I would remind others that failure to submit an application to register by the specified date is an offence, liable for court action resulting in a fine.”

To register or for more information visit our website (www.nihe.gov.uk/hmo) or contact our HMO Units (Tel: 03448 920 900)