AQW 6019/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 09/02/2024
Answered On Date: 27/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities what action the Housing Executive is has taking to limit the abandonment of single let properties.

Answer:

In respect of those placed in Single Lets, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has advised that there is periodic contact with the individual and their respective Housing Advisor.

The Housing Executive also recently carried out a sample of assurance visits where they visited Single Let property to confirm that the applicant is occupying the accommodation. Where no one was available at the time of the visit a letter was left asking the occupant to make contact and confirm occupancy.

The outcome of this exercise will be considered by the Housing Executive to ascertain the value of conducting further assurance visits in the future. Providers also carry out periodic visits and would notify the Housing Executive if a property is abandoned.