Marshalled list of Amendments

20 February 2025

Item 5: Order Paper 84/22-27 – Monday 24 February 2025

Motion: Delivering a New Deal for Private Renters in Northern Ireland

Proposed:

That this Assembly expresses concern at the unaffordable rents, lack of long-term security and inadequate protections for tenants in Northern Ireland’s private rented sector; recognises that many private renters face a constant struggle to keep a roof over their heads, afford daily essentials, or access the basic repairs necessary to make their homes habitable and safe; and calls on the Minister for Communities to deliver a new deal for private renters, including aconsidered system of third-generation rent controls, a ban on no-fault evictions, legislation tomake open-ended tenancies the norm for private tenants, creation of a statutory Housing Ombudsman, measures to boost the supply of affordable rental properties, and a review of minimum fitness standards and enforcement in the private rented sector.

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Ms Sian Mulholland
Mrs Michelle Guy
Mr Andrew McMurray

Amendment 1

Leave out all after the second 'private renters' and insert:

‘including a considered system of third-generation rent controls, or a rent freeze, followed by a phased rent reduction, a ban on no-fault evictions, legislation to make open-ended tenancies the norm for private tenants, creation of a statutory Housing Ombudsman and establishment of a Rental Board to enforce minimum fitness standards and rent controls, measures to boost the supply of affordable rental properties and social housing, in recognition that the supply of social housing has a direct impact on the security and affordability of homes in the private rented sector, and a review of minimum fitness standards and enforcement in the private rented sector.’

[Mr Gerry Carroll]

Amendment 2 (Mutually exclusive to Amendment 1)

Leave out all after ‘properties,’ and insert:

‘a review of minimum fitness standards and enforcement in the private rented sector, legislation to extend the threatened with homelessness window and the introduction of a grant to provide meaningful support to help renters facing a shortfall between Local Housing Allowance and market rent.’

[Mr Mark H Durkan]
[Ms Cara Hunter]