Housing Rights have identified a set of key policy asks necessary to deliver good quality, affordable, sustainable homes for people across Northern Ireland from 2022 to 2027.
This consultation response draws from our work in preventing homelessness across all our services and more specifically with people experiencing homelessness to ensure our response is evidence based.
This consultation response draws from our work in preventing homelessness across all our services and more specifically with people experiencing homelessness to ensure our response is evidence based.
The experience of Housing Rights’ clients, many of whom are on low incomes, is that within the private rented sector (PRS) a sub sector exists which is characterised by poor standards, insecurity of tenure and problems with affordability. In our view this Bill is an important first step in a series of legislative reforms to address some of these issues in the PRS.
Housing Rights believes a blanket removal of intimidation points would be too simple a solution for such a complex issue and would not provide adequate protection to those in crisis whose lives are under threat.
This policy briefing sets out why we believe legislation should be brought forward to remove any ambiguity and to ensure that the unlawful practice of charging letting fees is brought to an end.
This policy briefing draws on the experience of people in the private rented sector who have used our advice service. Given the lack of available social housing, Housing Rights appreciates the need for urgent action to address the growing waiting list for social housing and, in particular, the needs of people who are experiencing homelessness and waiting for unacceptably long periods for a new home. However, we have concerns over the use of the private rented sector to address these needs.
This research paper explores the impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown measures, as well as the resulting policy interventions, on private tenants in Northern Ireland.