The Minister for Social Development has announced he is carrying out a review to improve regulations in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland.

Minister Mervyn Storey is urging the public to take part and is seeking their views on how to make the sector more attractive.

Through a discussion document, launching today, 12 November, the Department is seeking responses to a number of questions under four main themes to help shape future policy. These include:

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• Role of the private rented sector – what support is appropriate for both landlords and tenants?

• Supply and investment – should the private rented sector have a role in addressing housing supply and, if so, should government incentivise growth and investment?

• Housing and tenancy management – what, if any changes, are needed to current regulation?

• Property standards – should there be improvements made to current property standards?

The Minister said: "In carrying out this review I am particularly conscious that we have to strike the appropriate balance between protecting tenants and not over burdening landlords, who in the main, provide good quality, well managed accommodation. It is therefore important for those with an interest to respond."

(CD/LM)