Anna Lo and the Alliance Party

Lo speaks in support of Private Landlord Registration

21/01/10

News Image Anna Lo MLA, has spoken in support of a private landlord registration scheme:

"I have been contacted by many constituents who have had negative experiences at the hands of private landlords, and it is clear that action needs to be taken to protect tenants and responsible landlords alike, from the careless actions of rogue landlords."

Speaking in the Northern Irealnd Assembly, Anna said:

"There are, of course, many good landlords, but, as an MLA, I frequently hear complaints from my constituents about unscrupulous landlords who do not maintain their properties or who have disputes with tenants over tenancy agreements or the return of deposits.

It is disappointing that DSD’s recent consultation paper on a strategy for the private rented sector did not favour a mandatory registration scheme, because of its concerns around cost. The paper only suggests a voluntary accreditation scheme, which, in my view, would be a half-hearted attempt to tackle the issue.

I very much support the motion, and I believe that a light-touch register, without the burden of too much bureaucracy, would be good for the private rented sector and for Northern Ireland. Such a register would protect landlords and tenants."

To read the full debate from the Official Report, please click on the following link:

http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2009/100119.htm#5