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When everyone has a home

028 9024 5640: Housing & Debt Helpline for Northern Ireland

February 2014

Notes from Housing Advice Practitioners’ Forum meeting 17 February 2014 on Future of the NI Housing Selection Scheme

The Housing Practitioners’ Forum is organised by Housing Rights Service (HRS).  It is made up of representatives from HRS member organisations. The Forum meets regularly to hear about and discuss the latest in housing case law, legislation and policy.

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Social Tenancies, Policy

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has just published a discussion paper on how to improve the condition of properties in the private rented sector (PRS) in England. Although this review does not extend to Northern Ireland, it nevertheless provides some food for thought on how we can raise local standards in private rental accommodation.

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Private Tenancies, Policy

The Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling which found that the Bedroom Tax discriminates against people with disabilities yet held that this discrimination was justified.

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Welfare Reform, Affordability

In a long awaited development private landlords in Northern Ireland are now required to provide information about themselves and their properties.

From 25th February, every private landlord in Northern Ireland must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme and provide this information - elements of which is available on government website NI Direct

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Private Tenancies, Landlord, Legal

We've seen increasing numbers of tenants contact us because a Receiver has been appointed to manage the property they rent.   Chris McGrath, Solicitor for Housing Rights Service, reports on the legal standing of tenants who find themselves in this position. 

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Repossession, Private Tenancies, Practical tips, Landlord, Legal

A mother and daughter, who had been intimidated from their home, will now be able to sell their property under the SPED scheme thanks to a Court of Appeal decision made last week.

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Social Tenancies, Homelessness, Case law, Legal

Homelessness legislation in Northern Ireland was originally designed to provide housing to homeless people in the social rented sector. However, the supply of social housing has decreased whilst its demand has increased. Consequently, there is now severe pressure on the available social rented housing in many parts of Northern Ireland.

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Private Tenancies, Policy, Homelessness

The Department for Social Development has released the latest housing statistics for Northern Ireland.  Policy Manager Nicola McCrudden looks at the numbers and the people behind them.

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Social Tenancies, Private Tenancies, Homelessness, Opinion

Nicola McCrudden, Policy Manager at Housing Rights Service, explains her thoughts on the proposals for an Anti Social Behaviour Bill.

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Social Tenancies, Policy

The Housing Minister, Nelson McCausland, intends to introduce to the NI Assembly a Bill to tackle anti social behaviour in social housing. The Minister suggests allowing social housing landlords to show a “yellow card” to “failing tenants” who cause problems to neighbours. The new legislation would:

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Social Tenancies, Policy

The Larne Times recently reported on a private landlord who was fined £1,650 for failing to protect a tenant’s deposit.

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Private Tenancies, Landlord, Legal

A Housing Repossessions Taskforce established by Housing Minister Nelson McCausland has had its first meeting; the taskforce will investigate the issue of negative equity and repossessions in Northern Ireland.

A new housing supply forum chaired by John Armstrong, Managing Director of the Construction Employers’ Federation, has had its first meeting. The Forum includes representatives from the private, public and charitable sectors and will play a key role in helping find solutions to increase the level of house building in Northern Ireland.