Landlord Registration Scheme

Landlord Registration Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014

The introduction of landlord registration scheme by Department of Social Development is a positive step in the regulation of the private rental sector.

All landlords who let properties under private tenancy in Northern Ireland must register and provide up to date and accurate information.

This registration enables local councils to communicate and work with private landlords ensuring they comply with the law and where necessary take enforcement action.

A centrally held register of private landlords:

• allows tenants, neighbours and local councils to identify if landlords are registered
• provides information on the number of landlords in Northern Ireland and allows landlords to receive regular updates on the duties and responsibilities of landlords and tenants
• provides education and support to landlords
• Improves tenants confidence in their landlords and increase landlords accountability by promoting good practice and ensuring the right advice and help is available.

The Department has appointed a registrar who is in charge of the information and may disclose it, on request, to:

• a District Council to enable or assist it to carry out its legal duties
• the Department of Finance and Personnel Northern Ireland to help it to carry out its legal duties for rating purposes
• the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for the purposes of administering housing benefit and the regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation

Fees

You only pay one fee regardless of the number of properties you own:

• the online registration fee is £70.00
• the paper/non electronic based registration fee is £80.00

Hard copies of the Landlord Registration Scheme application forms are available upon request at both of Derry City and Strabane District Council Offices.

Exemption

A landlord is exempt from the registration fee if they have paid to register a house in multiple occupation which is registered under the House in Multiple Occupation Registration Scheme.

• Registration lasts 3 years.
• Fixed penalties can be issued for the 3 offences and the income can only be used for the purposes of the council’s functions under the Private Tenancies (NI) Order 2006.

Fixed Penalty Fees

The offence of failure to register carries a maximum fine on conviction of £2,500.

If a landlord is found guilty of providing false information a maximum fine on conviction of £2,500 is applicable.  

If a landlord fails to provide evidence of registration a maximum fine on conviction of £500 can be given. 

Derry City and Strabane District Council, in line with other councils in Northern Ireland has set the following fixed penalties:

Fixed penalty for failure to register is set at £500
Fixed penalty for providing false information is set at £500
Fixed penalty for failure to provide evidence of registration is set at £100.

•  It is anticipated that the enforcing council will be the council within which the tenancy is located (i.e. if a landlord owns properties in different areas of Northern Ireland).

For further information visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/landlord 

Alternatively you can contact the advice line on 0800 200 7821.

Contact Details

For further information contact the Health & Housing Team:

T:  028 71253253 

E: health&housing@derrystrabane.com