Northern Ireland politicians clash over rent controls

Rent controls are not the solution to rising rents in Northern Ireland, claims the Communities Minister.

In a heated debate between politicians, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (DUP) pointed out that rent controls do not work.

The news comes after Northern Ireland landlords could soon face some of the longest Notice to Quit periods in the UK under new legislation.

Rent controls are not the solution

In a heated debate in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Gerry Carroll MLA claimed “landlords have been able to run riot and rip people off”.

Mr Carroll said: “A 53% increase in private rents is disgusting but not surprising. It is something that I, and many others, warned about years ago. The truth is, Minister, that you have allowed landlords to run riot and rip people off.

“When are you going to introduce rent reduction and rent caps? It should not fall on my shoulders to bring forward a private Member’s Bill on the issue, but I am doing so because you have failed to act on this issue.”

Lack of supply and demand

Mr Lyons hit back, arguing that rent controls do more harm than good.

He said: “I understand that the Member is passionate about the issue, and he is bringing forward what he thinks is the solution.

“However, as I have said repeatedly, his solutions will make things worse because, unless we deal with the issue of demand and the lack of supply, we will never be able to tackle the issue.

“In the past, I have provided, and I am happy to do so again, to the House the information, research and evidence that show that it simply will not work for people. Our focus needs to be on what has been proven time and time again to work, which is an increase in the supply of housing across all tenures in Northern Ireland.”