"Strengthening the Landlord Registration Scheme will help create a level playing field by making it easier to identify and take action against those who fail to meet the standards expected of them"
- Henry Griffith - Propertymark
Propertymark has backed proposals to strengthen Northern Ireland's Landlord Registration Scheme, describing the reforms as a meaningful step towards raising standards, improving tenant safety, and building a fairer private rented sector.
The professional body responded to the Department for Communities' consultation on amendments to The Landlord Registration Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014, expressing broad support for measures that would transform the register into a more effective enforcement tool. The proposed changes would make it easier to identify landlords and agents who fail to meet their legal obligations.
Under the proposals, landlords would be required to submit additional information as part of the registration process, covering gas safety, electrical safety, energy performance, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and fitness for human habitation standards.
"The vast majority of landlords and letting agents work hard to provide safe, compliant homes for tenants," said Henry Griffith, policy officer at Propertymark. "Strengthening the Landlord Registration Scheme will help create a level playing field by making it easier to identify and take action against those who fail to meet the standards expected of them.
"A more effective registration system can improve compliance, support enforcement agencies and provide greater confidence for tenants that the homes they rent meet key legal requirements."
Propertymark's response was informed by feedback from member agents across Northern Ireland, with strong support recorded for the majority of the proposed changes. Gas safety certification drew unanimous backing from surveyed agents, reflecting the sector's commitment to tenant protection and legal compliance.
The organisation also backed plans to share information with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland to support gas safety enforcement, arguing that better coordination between agencies will help target non-compliant operators. Alongside stronger enforcement, Propertymark emphasised that reforms should reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for landlords and agents who are already meeting their obligations.
Among its specific recommendations, Propertymark called for greater clarity around the role of letting agents in managing registration requirements where they oversee properties on behalf of landlords. The body urged policymakers to allow agents to upload and manage compliance documents directly, which it said would reduce confusion and improve efficiency.
The organisation also flagged opportunities to cut duplication by allowing landlords and agents to provide prospective tenants with links to compliance information held within the registration system, rather than repeatedly supplying the same documents.
Propertymark supported proposals to allow anonymised data sharing for research and policy development, though it noted that some agents remain concerned about how information could be used and stressed the need for robust safeguards to prevent individuals from being identified.
The body also welcomed confirmation that the public online search function would continue to let users verify whether a property, landlord, or agent is registered, without exposing wider portfolios or commercially sensitive details.
"The success of any regulatory system depends on trust, transparency and effective enforcement," Griffith added.
"These proposals have the potential to deliver meaningful benefits for tenants, landlords and agents alike, provided they remain focused on raising standards, targeting non-compliance and avoiding unnecessary duplication.
"Propertymark looks forward to continuing to work with the Department for Communities and local authorities to ensure the scheme delivers practical improvements for the private rented sector."
