AQW 45814/11-15 Written question to the Minister for Social Development
To ask the Minister for Social Development whether his Department has assessed the need for further statutory powers to provide for more effective regulation of the private rental sector.
Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 15 May 2015
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 15 May 2015
- Answer due by
- 2 June 2015
- Answered
- 1 June 201517 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
My Department is currently undertaking a review of the role and regulation of the Private Rented Sector. Part of this review includes evaluating the effectiveness of existing regulation and considering regulatory practice in other jurisdictions. A discussion document will issue before Summer to garner views. A consultation paper, on proposals for change, will issue before the end of 2015. Any legislation that will need to be introduced will be taken forward during 2016/17.
Regulation, in order to be fully effective, requires robust enforcement. Better regulation does not necessarily mean ‘more’ but can mean enhanced focus on enforcement of existing regulation.
A key aim of the review will be to clarify the Department’s approach to regulation.