Propertymark backs stronger landlord register rules in Northern Ireland

Propertymark has backed plans to toughen Northern Ireland’s landlord registration rules, with gas certificates, electrical checks and alarm details among the extra information that could be required.

The changes would give councils and enforcement bodies sharper tools to spot unsafe homes.

The professional body said proposals to amend The Landlord Registration Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014 would help turn the register into a stronger enforcement system for the private rented sector.

The Department for Communities consultation includes plans for landlords to provide evidence on gas safety, electrical safety, energy performance, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and fitness for human habitation standards.

Propertymark said its response was shaped by feedback from member agents operating across Northern Ireland, with strong support for most of the proposed changes.

NI’s Landlord Registration Scheme

Policy officer Henry Griffith said: “The vast majority of landlords and letting agents work hard to provide safe, compliant homes for tenants.

“Strengthening the Landlord Registration Scheme will help create a level playing field by making it easier to identify and take action against those who fail to meet the standards expected of them.”

He added: “A more effective registration system can improve compliance, support enforcement agencies and provide greater confidence for tenants that the homes they rent meet key legal requirements.”

Support was strongest for including safety information in the registration process and gas safety certification received unanimous backing from surveyed agents.

Share landlord information

The body also supports plans to share information with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland to help enforce gas safety requirements and identify non-compliant operators.

However, Propertymark said stronger enforcement should be aimed at poor practice without adding unnecessary administration for landlords and agents who already comply with the rules.

It has called for clearer explanation on the role of letting agents where they manage registration requirements for landlords.

It said agents should be able to upload and manage compliance documents directly, rather than leaving responsibility unclear between landlord and agent.

Move will benefit landlords

The organisation also said duplication could be reduced if landlords and agents were allowed to give prospective tenants links to compliance information held within the registration system.

That’s instead of repeatedly supplying the same documents.

Propertymark also supports anonymised data sharing for research and policy work, but said some agents remained concerned about how information might be used later.

It said safeguards were needed to ensure individuals could not be identified.

The body also welcomed confirmation that the public online search function would continue to show whether a property, landlord or agent is registered, without revealing wider portfolios or commercially sensitive information.

Mr Griffith said: “The success of any regulatory system depends on trust, transparency and effective enforcement.

“These proposals have the potential to deliver meaningful benefits for tenants, landlords and agents alike, provided they remain focused on raising standards, targeting non-compliance and avoiding unnecessary duplication.”