Landlords in Northern Ireland are to become regulated under proposals for the buy-to-let property market by Margaret Ritchie, the social development minister for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Ritchie has stated that in order to raise standards in the private rented sector (PRS) the following regulations need to be implemented:

A mandatory landlord registration scheme, which will see landlords provide details for a Northern Ireland register for the first time
Rent deposit scheme to protect deposit agreements between tenants and landlords
An education and awareness programme to ensure that landlords and tenants are aware of their respective rights and responsibilities
An enhancement of the current fitness standard for private rented properties

Ritchie said: “Almost one in six dwellings in Northern Ireland are now in the PRS. That accounts for more than the total of all social housing dwellings put together. As such, I felt that it was hugely important to ensure that the sector is properly regulated.

“The introduction of a landlord register will help ensure that all private landlords are held accountable, that they are made aware of their responsibilities, and also of their rights. The strategy will also ensure a higher standard of home in the private rented sector, and that those more vulnerable people living in private rented homes are better supported to help them sustain tenancies."

The plans have been announced as part of a new private rented strategy, entitled ‘Building Sound Foundations’, and have resulted after a public consultation held in 2009. Ritchie will present these proposals and any further ones for legislation to the Assembly in the next three to four months with a view to them becoming law by spring 2011.

Grainia Long from The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) said: "Its focus on making the PRS a more sustainable, professional and attractive option is particularly relevant because of the recent growth in the number of private rented properties.

“The CIH strongly supports the departments plans for the introduction of a tenancy deposit scheme which will provide protection for both landlord and tenant should a dispute arise. We look forward to working with landlords through our learning and development services to implement the strategy for the benefit of communities."