Recent changes affecting landlords and tenants in the private rented sector

WITH EFFECT FROM 30 JUNE 2011:

• Landlords have to give longer term private rented sector tenants a longer notice to quit period (see the Departments leaflet “Are you a tenant living in the private rented sector?”). Longer term tenants have to give landlords a longer notice to quit period.

• Councils have a specific power to enter a private dwelling house for the purpose of a fitness inspection.

• Councils will have access to relevant information on rates and housing benefit to support them in the regulation of the private rented sector.

• The maximum fine for a landlord who fails to register a house in multiple occupation increased to £20,000.

• In relation to the regulation of houses in multiple occupation, the Housing Executive has the power to seek evidence that qualifying persons who occupy a house are members of the same family.

These changes have been brought about by the Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. This legislation also requires the Department for Social Development to lay before the Assembly, by November 2012, subordinate legislation to introduce landlord registration and tenancy deposit schemes.