Policy & Research

Our policy work is based on the experiences of people who contact us for advice. We work on their behalf to secure positive changes to housing legislation, policy and practice in Northern Ireland. You can read more about what we are striving to achieve in the coming year by downloading our policy priorities.

Below, you will find copies of policy briefings, consultation responses and research papers that Housing Rights has produced recently.

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Housing Rights Research Briefing on Affordability in the Private Rented Sector

Research Briefing

November 2016

This briefing presents the findings of available research into living in the PRS and considers:

The households that currently live in the PRS
The motivations for low-income households to rent privately
The affordability issues private tenants face
Property conditions and affordability in the PRS

Housing Rights Research Briefing - Affordability in the Private Rented Sector Nov 16.pdf

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Private Tenancies, Policy, Affordability

Housing Right Briefing on Licensing in the Private Rented Sector

Policy Briefing

November 2016

This briefing considers the need for increased landlord regulation in the private rented sector, examining the need for licensing, best practice experience elsewhere and concludes with key principles which should inform the development of any such proposals.

Policy Briefing Landlord Licensing in the PRS November 2016.pdf

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Private Tenancies, Policy, Landlord

Housing Rights Responds on House of Lords Select Committee on Financial Exclusion:

Consultation Response

September 2016

In the course of our work, we regularly advise and represent clients who are financially excluded. In our experience, financial exclusion is a significant concern in Northern Ireland, and the patterns of this exclusion are often distinct from the rest of the United Kingdom. Housing Rights is therefore grateful for the opportunity to offer some comments on several topics highlighted in the Select Committee’s call for evidence.

Housing Rights Response to House of Lords Select Committee on Financial Exclusion September 2016.pdf

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Money Matters, Welfare Reform, Policy

Housing Rights responds to consultation on FCA Handbook changes

Consultation Response

August 2016

Since 2009, Housing Rights has delivered a Mortgage Debt Advice Service for homeowners in Northern Ireland. In 2015/16, this service dealt with 1,406 cases of mortgage debt. Our solicitors also represent borrowers in Court possession proceedings, including a strategic case involving lenders’ treatment of arrears. Housing Rights is therefore pleased to respond to the Financial Conduct Authority’s consultation on two Handbook changes relating to mortgage borrowers with a payment shortfall.

HousingRights-Response-to-Minor-FCA-Handbook-Changes-JULY2016.pdf