nidirect.gov.uk Landlord Registration Scheme : Northern Ireland

Name of the Organization : Nidirect
Type of Facility : Landlord Registration Scheme
Country : Northern Ireland

Website : https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/landlord-registration-scheme

Landlord Registration Scheme :

** The Landlord Registration Scheme collects and maintains up-to-date and accurate information on landlords and their properties.

 Related : Northern Ireland Apply for Landlord Registration : www.statusin.org/24530.html

** Under the law, all private landlords must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme.

Who needs to register?
** Any person or persons who let property under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland must register.

Who has to register?
** All landlords who let properties under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland must register.
** You must provide accurate and up-to-date information about yourself and your properties.

Why has private landlord registration been introduced?
** Until the introduction of this scheme each council collected information about landlords in their council area, but many private landlords have properties in a number of different council areas and the information was not easily accessible.

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

It improves tenants’ confidence in their landlords and increase landlords’ accountability by :
** promoting good practice
** ensuring the right advice and help is available

What information is available through the registration website?
** You can search the register to see if a landlord is registered by entering the landlord’s name or the details of the property
** search for a landlord
** To find out if a property is registered you will need the property details
** search for a property

Who else can access the information?
The Registrar is in charge of the information and may reveal it, if asked, to :
** a district council to allow or assist it to carry out its legal duties
** the Department of Finance 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 regulating Houses in Multiple Occupation

What will the information be used for?
The information you provide will be used for the following purposes :
** to issue your Certificate of Registration which is valid for three years from the date of registration and contains your unique registration number
** to tell you four weeks before the expiry of your current registration
** to reveal to anyone searching the register whether a landlord is registered
** to process payments
** to allow district councils, the Department of Finance and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to carry out their legal duties
** nidirect, on behalf of the Registrar, process (that means collect, store and use) any information you provide in a way which complies with the Data Protection Act.

How much does it cost and how do I register?
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
** Online registration is encouraged as it is the cheaper option.
** Paper/non electronic registrations cost more to administer.

What is the fee used for?
** Money received in fees will pay for the running costs of the Landlord Registration Scheme which provides access to advice, guidance and links to useful information on the private rented sector.

Who is exempt from the registration fee?
** As a landlord you are exempt from the registration fee if you have paid to register a house in multiple occupation which is registered under a Houses in Multiple Occupation Registration Scheme.