It is crucial we protect vulnerable people from bad landlords

The Ulster Unionist Party welcomed a motion in the Assembly yesterday which aimed to protect vulnerable people from bad landlords.

Speaking during the debate, Mid Ulster representative Billy Armstrong recognised the important role the private rented sector played in our economy and stated that the vast majority of landlords did follow best practice standards.

"However, those landlords that do not respect their tenants can still have a seriously damaging affect on the standards of people's lives - be that through demanding excessive rent, disputes over deposits or by providing accommodation that does not meet the necessary standards. Many people who have limited options are at the mercy of unprincipled landlords. That it is why it is crucially important that we introduce regulations that will ensure that landlords meet the required standards, he said."

"I think new regulations should be viewed as a way to ensure a level playing field amongst landlords so that some do not gain an unfair advantage at the expense of their tenants."

"Landlords have a duty of care, both to the buildings they own and for the people who live in them. In the coming months the private rented sector will become increasingly important as the first time buyers market is still stagnant and as people potentially fail to renew their mortgages. It is therefore vital that the necessary legislation is in place to regulate the system properly. People should feel safe and secure in their homes and we should take all necessary steps to ensure this."