To ask the Minister for Social Development for his Department’s position on the enforceability of legislation limiting or prohibiting up-front fees when renting homes.

While my Department is responsible for the legislation governing the private rented sector it does not have any legislative/regulatory powers in relation to upfront fees charged by landlords or letting agents in Northern Ireland.

The regulation of letting agents is one of a number of issues being considered under the review of the role and regulation of the Private Rented Sector which is currently underway. Developments in other jurisdictions, in relation to letting agents, will be considered under the review.