AQW 35914/11-15

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 12/09/2014
Answered On Date: 25/09/2014
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Social Development what communication his Department has had with landlords of privately rented properties which qualify for the Affordable Warmth Scheme, to ensure that they are registered with the Landlord Registration scheme, and give consent for energy efficiency improvements to be completed for which they must contribute towards costs.

Answer:

My Department launched a public consultation exercise on 17 February 2014 on proposals for a new Affordable Warmth Scheme. It also held 6 public consultation events across Northern Ireland in week commencing 3 March 2014. These events were held in Belfast, Enniskillen, Londonderry, Ballymena, Newry and Coleraine with a total of 100 people attending those events including a number of landlords.

The public consultation “From Fuel Poverty to Achieving Affordable Warmth” included consultation about landlord contribution and registering with the Landlord Registration Scheme. It is a legal requirement for all landlords who let properties under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland to register with the Landlord Registration Scheme. Landlords with an existing tenancy must register with the Landlord Registration Scheme before 25 February 2015.

My Department included the Landlord Association of Northern Ireland in its public consultation by sending it a copy of the public consultation document. Whilst the Landlord Association of Northern Ireland did not formally respond to the public consultation; it has published the Public Consultation “From Fuel Poverty to Achieving Affordable Warmth” on its website.

My Department received a total of 66 responses to the public consultation. Of those who responded to the public consultation about the landlord contribution, 40% agreed that landlords should contribute, 25% were unsure, 20% disagreed and 15% did not specify their preference. Landlords have a responsibility for maintaining the energy efficiency of their property and my Department will monitor the uptake of the Scheme amongst privately rented properties to ensure tenants are not disadvantaged.

The Affordable Warmth Scheme is based on the householder’s gross income which must be less than £20,000. Once the householder satisfies the income criteria, the Housing Executive will check if the landlord is registered with my Department’s Landlord Registration Scheme and will seek the landlord’s permission before commencing any installation work. Once the energy efficiency measures have been installed and Building Control approval received, the Housing Executive will pay the landlord the 50% contribution towards the measures.