23 April 2003

MINISTER LAUNCHES REFORM OF PRIVATE RENTED HOUSING

A consultation document setting out proposals for the first major shake-up of the private rented housing sector in almost a quarter of a century, was launched today by Des Browne MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development.

The Minister said: "The private rented sector plays a very important role in meeting the housing needs of many people in Northern Ireland.

It offers choice and flexibility for those who, for whatever reasons, are not ready to buy their own homes. It also provides an alternative for those living in areas where there is a high demand for social housing.

"However, there are a number of major inconsistencies across the sector in terms of tenants rights, rents chargeable and levels of unfitness. We hope to address these with the new proposals and we look forward to the comments of all the interested parties."

The proposals, which are aimed at stimulating growth of this important area of housing, are based on a report completed by a working group involving a wide range of interests that was established by the former Minister for Social Development, Maurice Morrow MLA. They represent the first phase of the rolling programme of housing policy review that both Mr Browne and his predecessor, Nigel Dodds MP, referred in the context of the recent Housing Order.

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