AQW 42962/11-15

Mrs Dolores Kelly
Social Democratic and Labour Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 27/02/2015
Answered On Date: 19/03/2015
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance and Personnel what actions her Department has taken to highlight that the common practice in Northern Ireland whereby on the grant of a lease, or letting of land, a landlord may oblige their tenant to pay for the agent’s professional services, also referred to as letting fees, is illegal.

Answer:

My Department does not oversee the activities of landlords nor is it responsible for monitoring trade practices or the protection of consumers. In relation to the former, the Department for Social Development has introduced a Landlord Registration Scheme which provides for a central register of landlords and helps with education and support to landlords. In relation to the latter the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has investigated a number of cases relating to letting agents and, in so doing, has highlighted available guidance.