The Department for Communities in Northern Ireland is reminding landlords who registered or renewed with the Landlord Registration Scheme during January, February, and March 2021 that it is time to renew their registration if they are still a landlord.

The Landlord Registration Scheme was introduced in February 2014 and each registration lasts three years.  

Landlords who registered or renewed with the scheme at the beginning of 2021 will need to check when their registration expires and, if they are continuing to rent out their properties, they need to register with the scheme for a further three years. 

By not renewing the registration while continuing to let properties, landlords are not complying with the law.

The Landlord Registration Scheme aims to improve tenants’ confidence in their landlords and increase landlords’ accountability by promoting good practice and ensuring appropriate advice and assistance is available. 

By registering with the scheme, landlords have access to the landlord newsletter and the landlord helpline operated by Housing Rights.

Landlords can renew their registration two months prior to the end of their current registration.

A landlord who does not register may face a fixed penalty of £500 or a court fine of up to £2,500. 

Landlords are reminded to ensure their contact details are up-to-date. 

More information on the Landlord Registration Scheme, including how to register and renew your registration, is available at NI Direct.