Landlord

From February 2016 landlords in England face financial penalties and prosecution if they rent to someone who does not have a legal right to be in the UK.  The roll out of the "right to rent checks", introduced by the Immigration Act 2014, has not yet reached Northern Ireland and local landlords can continue to do business as usual.

With the DSD’s Review of the Private Rented Sector ongoing, Housing Rights has prepared a policy briefing on the need for improved regulations in the charging of letting fees in Northern Ireland.

What are letting fees?

Letting fees are additional charges imposed for services included in the routine letting and management of a property.

The Department for Social Development has announced that almost 5,000 people will have fees paid under the Landlord Registration Scheme refunded.  This refund comes about as a result in a change in policy.  Where previously all joint owners of a property were required to register and pay the associated fee, now the fee will only be paid by one person. 

The main elements of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (the Act) came into force on 1st October 2015. The Act aims to make the laws on consumer protection clearer and easier to understand, saving consumers and businesses time and money.