Important improvements to private rented sector ‘progressing’ | Newry Times
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has outlined how plans to reform the private rented sector are progressing.
A commitment was made to introduce legislation that will provide increased protections for people and families living in the private rented sector.
The Bill is now at Committee Stage.
Minister Hargey explains, “For many the private rented sector provides flexibility, for others, it may be while they wait for a social home or one day own their own home.
“For all those who call the private rented sector home, they deserve safe, secure accommodation.
“I have already extended the emergency legislation I put in place at the start of the pandemic to extend the notice to quit period a landlord must give a tenant to 12 weeks.
“This will now be in place until May 2022.
“The Bill I am taking through the Assembly will also deliver a number of protections for private renters including a permanent extension to the Notice to Quit period.
“In the longer term, I will address issues such as letting agent regulation, grounds for eviction and fitness standards,” she adds.
The Bill contains a number of proposed improvements including:
• restricting rent increases to once in a 12 month period;
• extending the notice to quit period a landlord must give a tenant;
• setting limits on tenancy deposit amounts; and
• making it a mandatory requirement for private landlords to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and to carry out periodic electrical checks.
Keep up to date with all the latest Newry news, what’s on Newry, and Today’s Newry News Now HERE.
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=77372