Housing Rights responds to ‘Rates Rethink’ consultation

Housing Rights has responded to the Department of Finance’s consultation on their ‘Rates Rethink’ proposals. The Department’s proposals follow several earlier consultations, including one on rate liability in the domestic rental sector.

We offered the following recommendations.

Simplify rates liability

Housing Rights believes that the Department should consider taking action to simplify liability for rates in the domestic rental sector in Northern Ireland, and/or develop clear and comprehensive guidance on rates liability for landlords and tenants – potentially in conjunction with the Department for Communities.

Monitor removal of rates exemptions

If the rates exemption for Halls of Residence is removed, Housing Rights recommends that the Department monitor any changes in rent levels in these Halls, or any impact this has on the affordability of this accommodation for students.

Monitor removal of rates cap

If the Rates Cap is partially removed as discussed, Housing Rights recommends that the Department monitor the effect of this measure on affected households.

Further reading

Read our response in full.

You can also read our response to the Department’s earlier review of ‘Rate Liability in the Domestic Rental Sector’.