SDLP Foyle MLA Ma\rk H Durkan
His calls echo those from organisations within the Housing Sector who have called for the introduction of electrical safety requirements for landlords to protect private tenants.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The private rented sector in general has grown exponentially in recent years, however the North has experienced the greatest level growth across these islands. Yet standards have not managed to keep step with that growth.
“To date there has been no specific legislation in place to tackle poor electrical safety standards within the Private Rented Sector.
“I appreciate that most, good landlords ensure the upkeep of the electrical wiring within their properties but we cannot ignore the fact that neglect and resulting electrical hazards are fast becoming a problem for private tenants.
“I welcome confirmation from the Department for Communities that work is progressing to introduce a Private Rented Bill which will include wide-ranging protections.
“I am pleased that they have heeded calls from experts within the sector and intend to introduce a new provision that will impose duties on landlords to carry out a periodic electrical inspections – as a result landlords will be prevented from commencing a new lease without the certification of an electrical check.
“It is imperative that individuals and families who rent privately, many of whom have been forced into the sector most probably as a result of insufficient supply of social housing, are safeguarded through legislation.”
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