September 2014

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our quiz night at the Kings Head-we hope you enjoyed your evening.  We raised a brilliant £1016!

We would like to extend our thanks to our sponsors N4 networx for sponsoring the food served, and the numerous companies who provided raffle prizes. Also, many thanks must go to the winning team who picked Housing Rights Service as their chosen charity for their prize money.

Anyone involved in letting property in England, Scotland or Wales must sign up to one of three approved redress schemes by 1 October.  Agents who fail to sign up to an approved scheme face a fine of £5,000.

Redress in Northern Ireland

This law does not apply to letting agents operating in Northern Ireland.

As part of the ongoing review of the Housing Executive, it is anticipated that up to 2000 NIHE dwellings will transfer to housing associations.  The rationale behind this transfer is that housing associations can access private sector funds to bankroll the improvements that some of the older NIHE dwellings desperately need. 

The BBC recently reported on an increase in the number of court actions taken by Land & Property Services, (LPS), in response to rates arrears. Housing Rights Service can provide advice to homeowners and private tenants who are having difficulties meeting their rates payments or who are being pursued for non-payment.

The second in a series of seminars looking at the different facets of the Social Housing Reform Programme (SHRP) is being held in NICVA on 29 September 2014 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

MPs have voted in favour of a private members bill to make changes that would exempt tenants from the bedroom tax if they have not received a reasonable offer of alternative accommodation. 

After a 4 hour debate, Labour and the Liberal Democrat MPs came together and voted by 306 votes to 231 in favour of the bill during its second reading in the House of Commons today. The bill will now be given more time to be considered in detail by a public bill committee of MPs.

A major survey has revealed that social tenants, particularly in Northern Ireland and London, are dissatisfied with the services provided by their landlords.