SINN Féin Councillor Patricia Logue has welcomed new measures aimed at protecting tenants of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
The party’s housing spokesperson said: “I welcome confirmation that from April tenants in houses in multiple occupation will require a licence issued by Belfast City Council.
“The new system will help to protect the health and safety of tenants by allowing new tenants to check online if a house has a proper licence.
“There have been concerns raised about the poor conditions of properties and the behaviour of tenants — these new powers will allow for proper regulation.
“I look forward to seeing the full details on how this will be implemented and monitored as the rights of tenants are paramount, especially now that more public money is spent on housing benefit than that of the social housing sector.
“We have been lobbying for increased protections for HMO tenants for some time and this is a welcome step,” she added.
