Fact sheet: Landlord Registration Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014

Two separate investigations in Camden and Mansfield involving unlicensed Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) led to sanctions for landlords and agents. West Northamptonshire is the latest council to announce a crackdown on unregulated and poorly managed properties.

On 1 April 2019, the Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 comes into force and landlords must have a valid licence for each HMO they own.

Propertymark has responded to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive's consultation on proposed changes to the House Sales Scheme. Whilst reforming the scheme is the right approach, we urge the Housing Executive to protect social housing supply while maintaining opportunities for home ownership.

More than 834,000 homes have left the UK private rented sector over the past decade, but a rise in new listings—driven partly by Build to Rent—means that rental supply is currently at its highest level for seven years. Professional agents play a crucial role in helping landlords understand their obligations, adapt to regulatory change, and operate successfully. Supporting responsible landlords to remain in the market is vital if tenants are to have access to an adequate choice of safe, affordable, and suitable homes.