NI housing 'unfitness' at all time low

Unfitness levels in housing in Northern Ireland are at an all time low, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today.

The findings of the Interim House Condition Survey found that unfitness levels have now dropped to an all time low of below 4%.

The Minister said: "As a result of the investment we have made… Northern Ireland now has a stock of well maintained energy efficient homes 97% of which have full central heating. This is a major achievement and shows how much things have moved on from the mid 1970's when over 20% of properties were unfit.

"While I welcome this good news I am concerned at the pace of progress in some areas, particularly in the private rented sector, where unfitness levels, while improving, are still 8% which is around three times the rate for the owner occupied sector. This is why I am publishing today, legislative proposals to improve conditions in the privately rented sector."

Mr Hanson also said that while the private sector currently accounts for 11% of all housing stock in Northern Ireland, it was not fulfilling its potential to "supplement the stock of available houses in areas of high housing demand".

"The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many of those who live in the sector are elderly and vulnerable," he said.

The Minister continued: "Since taking up my post as Minister for Social Development I have made it clear that I want to improve the quality of life for vulnerable members of our society. Many of those who live in the poorer quality private rented sector properties are elderly and vulnerable. This is not acceptable.

"In order to address this and some of the other problems which exist in the sector I am issuing for consultation new legislation aimed at improving conditions in the private rented sector. The proposed legislation, the Private Tenancies Order, will target unfitness and disrepair using rent control as a means of forcing landlords to bring their properties up to a decent standard. I would ask all those with an interest in the private rented sector to obtain a copy and respond to the consultation which ends on 27 January 2006," he concluded.

(MB/SP)