AQW 21547/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 29/01/2025
Answered On Date: 20/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail the work his Department has undertaken to ensure private tenancies are affordable for students.

Answer:

Private rented legislation does not distinguish on the basis of the characteristics of tenants (including whether or not a student lives in the tenancy). My balanced programme of reform will therefore ensure that the Private Rented Sector is a good housing option for all tenants.

In order to help relieve affordability issues, my Department will restrict the frequency of rent increases to once in any 12-month period, with a 3-month written notice to be given. I have instructed my officials to take forward work to commence this power and I anticipate that the restriction will be in place from April.