Local councils in Northern Ireland are set to take on the role of licensing authority for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) next month.

The move will come into effect from 01 April under The Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016.

This will give local authorities power to regulate properties to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of tenants. They can put specific conditions on a licence, take enforcement action or, if necessary, revoke a licence. They can also refuse to issue a new licence if there is over-provision in an area, or if the landlord is not deemed fit.

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Landlords are being urged to ensure all HMOs have a valid license or they could face steep penalties when the new legislation comes into effect.

Councillor Charlene O'Hara, Chair of Belfast City Council's Licensing Committee said: "Belfast City Council is supportive of the extra assurances the Act gives to residents, tenants and neighbouring properties. Some parts of Belfast have high concentrations of shared accommodation and council welcomes the additional powers this legislation brings to help regulate this sector."

(CM/JG)